The local rivalry between Exeter and Plymouth ended once again as, despite having a good season on track, the crowds at Plymouth dwindled and the track closed during the winter of 1962. However, the closure of Plymouth allowed the signing of Cliff Cox which allowed for the retirement of Pete Lansdale who would assume the role of Team manager. Whilst Plymouth had closed, a new track had opened up in St.Austell

Another Falcon who had decided to retire was Francis Cann, however his retirement was somewhat short lived as he made a return to the line up, and so the starting team consisted of Len Silver, Alan Cowland, Howdy Byford, Dennis Day, Cliff Cox, Eric Howe and Bob Innocent.It was in Exeter's opener against the Gulls that Eric Howe was involved in a bad spill from which he recieved a broken wrist and severe head injuries that eventually finished his career as a rider. It was beacause of the injury to Eric that Exeter talked Francis Cann out of retirement and he was to appear in 41 matches for Exeter during 1963.

The season began very well for Exeter despite a home defeat to Poole in the Southern League. The customary big home wins were the norm as well as wins away to Rayleigh, Hackney and a draw at Stoke. Howdy Byford then sustained a broken arm at St.Austell that was to end his season, and the following day Pat Flanagan broke an ankle. Such was the plight of unavailable riders that even Pete Lansdale rode again. Goog Hoskin was also talked into making a return for Exeter, but after just one match he went back to his quieter way of life. But the shortage of riders took its toll on the results as the familiar pattern emerged of winning well at home but struggling on away tracks.

Next on the injury list was Alan Cowland who managed a broken thumb and was out of the side for a few weeks, but there was some consolation when New Cross were forced to close and the news that Jimmy Squibb would be joining Exeter. He made his debut at home to Rayleigh and notched up an immediate maximum as Exeter won 45-33. He also scored a maximum at home to Wolves a fortnight later but could not prevent Exeter losing their only home Provincial League match of the season.

Pictured Right, an action Photo given to me by former Falcon Terry Stone and taken at Rayleigh in 1963. Len Silver leads from D.Strutt, Alan Cowland and Vic Ridgeon just out of shot.

Exeter finished the season in seventh place having won 11 and lost just once at home, whilst away was a similar story having only managed one win on their travels. However, considering the amount of injuries sustained, this seemed like a good season for the Falcon's, and one can only wonder what might have been had Jimmy Squibb started earlier at the County Ground.

Elsewhere in 1963

Ove Fundin won his fourth World Championship at Wembley. He scored 14pts to beat second placed Bjorn Knutsson (13pts) and in third was Barry Briggs on 12pts. He also won the Internationale at Wimbledon and beat Peter Craven for the Match race Championship.

Sweden won the World Team Cup in Vienna, repeating their victory of the previous year. They scored 37pts to beat Czechoslovakia 27pts, Gt.Britain 25pts, Poland 7pts