ARMOY HAS A NEW ULSTER CHAMPION

Trevor McMullan took top spot in the Grade CMX2 category and would most likely have gained a respectable place in the All-Ireland had it not been for the excessive travel costs.

Like many amateurs, Trevor relies heavily on financial support from businesses and individuals and during the close season up until March, he is embarking on a fund-raising campaign in preparation for the next level - Grade B semi experts.

Trevor accepts there are more glamorous sports but while that may be the case, the effort, commitment and dedication required often exceeds that of others.

That's why it's going to a hard slog until the Spring time when he will haul his bikes across the country to places such as Desertmartin, Downpatrick, Tandragee and at tracks in Southern Ireland.

"I am very grateful to all my sponsors, without them I couldn't survive, but it's always a struggle. I would easily spend up to 10,000 a year on bikes and their maintenance. I used to have three machines, but one gave up and I just cannot afford to fix it," Trevor said.

Turning 21 in February, Trevor has performed miracles this season given his situation and he has set his sights on a top ten finish in the new Grade.

"If I get into the top seven, that would move me up another grade, but realistically in the first ten would be an achievement," he said.

Scrambling runs through the veins of the McMullan family and Trevor's brother, Ray, was also a keen competitor without achieving the same success as his younger sibling.

Trevor is producing a new calendar and is currently selling tickets for a raffle. He is also planning a fund-raising night in Ballintoy early next year and hopes he'll get good support from his friends.

Because of the cost factor, scrambling isn't as popular as some other sports, but two other young lads from the area are now trying their hand - Brian O'Kane from Armoy and Gary Laverty from Loughgiel.

"The more people we can get involved the more we raise the profile of the sport. It is exciting to watch and if people came along they would see for themselves just how good it is," Trevor told the Times.