Former Monmore rider Cyril Francis dies
Former Wolverhampton and Cradley Heathens rider Cyril Francis has died.
Born in Newport, Gwent, in 1935, Francis took up speedway at Bristol in 1960 but came to Monmore Green as Wolverhampton reopened in 1961.
He was a vital part of the Wolves team who won the Provincial League in 1963, scoring 147 points in 28 meetings in that memorable season.
He went to Newport in 1967, but had a short period back at Monmore Green in 1969. Francis retired in 1973 after spells with Cradley Heath, Ellesmere Port and Stoke.
In his seven seasons at Monmore Green, he scored 1,035 paid points in 180 meetings. He is one of just 25 riders to have scored more than 1,000 points for Wolverhampton.
Meanwhile, Jacob Thorssell made the semi-final in the Premiership Riders Championship meeting at Wimborne Road, which was won by Jason Doyle.
