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Hammers career : 1988-1990
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ROB TILBURY was a colourful character who made his National League debut for Canterbury in 1982, remaining with the Crusaders until their closure in 1987.
During this period he developed a somewhat provocative relationship with Hammers supporters, which culminated in an on-track brawl at Arena-Essex in 1987 and universal disdain from fans.
But like all things in team sports, fan quickly forgave when, despite this, he was snapped up by Peter Thorogood in 1988 to ride for the Hammers after Canterbury closed.
Rob gradually adapted his riding style from the big Kent circuit to the tight Arena track and took many crucial points for the side alongside Martin Goodwin.
He increased his average significantly in 1989 when the Hammers struggled to cope with the continuing absence of Malcolm Simmons and won the hearts of the fans with his efforts for the struggling side.
A rider who was famed at one time for his bleached hair and pink bike, there were continual rumours throughout that close season that Rob wanted to move on through the 89/90 winter, fancying a crack at the British League.
He eventually opted to remain with the Hammers, signing on the dotted line on press and practice day. He went on to achieve something of a cult status at Purfleet when he led the side single-handedly in the summer of an injury-ravaged season.
He was awarded the captaincy of the side following the injury to Goodwin and captured the silver helmet when Newcastle's David Bargh suffered an engine failure during a match race at Arena. He went on to defend the trophy against Steve Lawson before dropping it to Rye House's Jens Rasmussen in a meeting that saw the Hammers claim their first away victory of the season.
Rob won the supporter's club 'rider of the year' trophy at the end of 1990, a testimony to his efforts and new-found belief, particularly away from home.
When a new promotional regime moved in to take over the Hammers' reins in 1991, Rob moved on to Long Eaton - facing the Hammers back at his old home circuit - before a mid-season switch to Rye House. He failed to recapture his old Hammers form, though, and retired at the end of that year.
Year |
Matches |
Rides |
Points |
Bonus |
Total |
Average |
Full Max |
Paid Max |
1988 |
32 |
169 |
274 |
11 |
285 |
6.75 |
0 |
0 |
1989 |
32 |
182 |
349 |
20 |
369 |
8.11 |
2 |
1 |
1990 |
34 |
187 |
362 |
16 |
378 |
8.09 |
1 |
1 |
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98 |
538 |
985 |
47 |
1032 |
7.67 |
3 |
2 |
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