Even with a few regulars away, the Noel Smith Memorial would be fought out between 13 riders spread across four groups over 64kms.
As has been traditionally the way for Lockington races, we were once again greeted with beautiful conditions for cycle racing.
Off limit was club legend Ray Hamilton and giving him 33 minutes were Will Kettle, Graeme Butcher, Mel Smolenaars and Claire Goodman.
At 45 minutes were Matt Grealy, Simon Hall, Scott Moller and fresh off his state champs last week, Neville Laffy.
Scratch at 51 minutes was the grouping of George Griffiths, Nick Woods, Cobram CC rider Max Holgate and Max Trewhella, in his first race back from racing in Europe.
With such large gaps through the field, it wasn't until lap three that gaps were closed as Butch, Claire and Mel had dislodged Will and caught Ray.
Further back in the field, scratch and block were both down to three riders.
Flying along Dullard Rd into the headwind, scratch took control of the race, with Nick Woods the first casualty, leaving George and Max Holgate head-to-head.
Nearing the final corner, Max had produced a small gap on George, and he held his nerve to the finish to win from George Griffiths, with Nick Woods in 3rd.
The battle for 4th was hard fought, with Mel just pipping good friend Claire in the dash to the line.
1st Max Holgate
2nd George Griffiths
3rd Nick Woods
4th and first female Mel Smolenaars
5th Claire Goodman
A big thanks to our sponsor Ash Hall, race director H, handicapper Mel, photographer Richard and marshals Phil Herd, Gary Needs and John Holgate.
We're back in two weeks time for our club champs weekend.
10°C