1980s part two

David like Ivan Mauger came to us from New Zealand, like Ivan pronouncing his name took a while before his riding ability made it a household word (amongst Tyneside speedway fans anyway) . David's team riding was brilliant he would shepherd his partner around to score maximum points whenever possible. Long time partner was English rider Derek Richardson and we all expected them to be first and second every time with David sitting behind and Derek sweeping around the outside. Great to watch.

Barghy rode for Newcastle 78,79,80,81,84,90,91,92 which means he spanned 3 decades, sorry if that makes you feel old David.

The unmistakable and "Steady" style of the second great Kiwi to ride for Newcastle

Barghy wearing the Federation Specials race jacket in 1986. The team lost it's Diamonds nickname due to the sponsorship deal with the Federation Brewery but the tie up only lasted one season and in 1987 The Diamonds nickname was back much to the relief of the supporters. This was the second time during the long history of the Diamonds that the nickname was changed. The other occasion was way back in 1949 when they were known as The Newcastle Magpies.

In my opinion one of the best action shots on the whole website. David Bargh, one of the all time most popular Newcastle riders. I hope that one day Barghy will email from NZ with some of his memories of his time with the Diamonds.

4 pictures of Rod Hunter. Rod was Newcastle's longest serving Australian rider. A lightning fast gater, he usually won races from the front but when he needed to he would squeeze past right on the fence or cut back, get his wheels in line first and power past the opposition on the white line. Rod possessed bags of talent and could give lessons in throttle control! His controlled whole lap wheelie celebrations are still a talking point at Brough Park today.

1986 team standing left to right:- Paul Stead, Dave Morton, Keith Bloxsome, Dave Perks, David Blackburn. Kneeling: Gary O'Hare and Bernie Collier. both pictures courtesy of Doug McFarlane

Gary O'Hare with an unknown Boston rider presumably taken at Boston as Gary is wearing white

1987 team standing left to right: Mark Courtney, Paul Cooper, Eric Stead (promoter), Roland Tebbs, Bobby Duncan, Dave Morton. Kneeling: Gary O'Hare and David Blackburn, with Joe Owen (team manager) in the middle.

Mark Courtney inside an Arena Essex rider

Mark had a distinctive style, he laid his bike over lower than most on the corners

Gary O'Hare, David Blackburn, Dave Morton, Tom Owen Bernie Collier and Joe Owen in the front, can anyone say what is in the box

Shane Bowes, an Australian who rode for Newcastle Federation Specials in 1986

Here's Tom Owen in 1987 receiving expert advice from my daughter Helen, after she showed him what he was doing wrong he went out and scored a string of maximums!

A candidate for the most popular Newcastle rider ever? Tom Owen. He had his testimonial in 1982. Tom was the perfect rider for me. He could win vital races against the best and rattled up maximums galore but that was not all, he was ever smiling and was a camera mans dream! Every club would benefit from a "Tom Owen" in the side. Newcastle's greatest ever captain? Probably?

Tragedy struck the Owen family when Tom badly broke his leg and Joe suffered a paralyzing injury. They are both carrying the scars of their great days on Tyneside, Joe still in a wheelchair and Tom walking with a pronounced limp. They are welcome visitors at Brough and have more fans on Tyneside still, than any other riders. They cannot get to Brough very often but hey, come on lads come up more often and shake hands with your old fans and mates. You two are sure of a standing ovation.

1986 only one of two years when the team were not called the Diamonds. Sponsorship from the local Federation brewery sidelined the Diamonds nickname.

Mark second from left. He appears to be taking part in an individual meeting or 4 team tournament

John, Six seasons 1989 to 1994. He then went to Swindon. Regards, Joe Wake Joe has also supplied the photos of Mark