Mick McMichael Photo

Still don't have an answer but it could have been 1970: Belle Vue Trophy

Alf Robinson?

Billed as Holder of the Belle Vue Belt, 1948. Mentioned as trophy winner in other literature in 50’s.

Vic Hesselle ?

Billed as winning trophy as early as October 1950, again in early 51 (by DM), 1954 and as late as July 1957

Unknown 17/Dec/1960 Manchester

“finals of Trophy” listed in newspaper ad but results unknown

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Chic Purvey 3/Nov/1963 Manchester

Defeats John Foley in final

Bobby Steele 11/Apr/1964 Manchester

Defeats Colin Joynson in final

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Mick McMichael? 30/Mar/1970 Manchester

Defeats or draws Ted Heath in final

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Mark Rocco & Tug Wilson 19/Apr/1975 Manchester

Defeat John Naylor & Mick McMichael in tournament final. Mentioned for Belle Vue Trophy on May’s handbill.

Johnny Saint 11/Oct/1975 Manchester

Defeats Jim Breaks in final

Johnny Saint* 8/May/1976 Manchester

*Defeats Mick McMichael in final for “trophy” unsure if same

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Marty Jones 5/Aug/1978 Manchester

Defeats John Naylor in final Lancashire Silver Cup

Vic Hesselle ?

Billed as winning it on a Hastings card Feb 1954. Could be another name for Belle Vue trophy

I think it was probably after 1977. I don't remember it. I cannot say if it was the same cup but the name crops up many times. In the early 1900's The Belle Vue Challenge Cup was for Brass bands. It was certainly active in the 1950's for Speedway.

It would seem Dick Rogers used it with Vic Hesselle the Holder , but I have checked 1950 and 1951 and the advertising was very basic and maybe did not mention it. Maybe only announced on the night. Here is Hesselle billed three times as Holder in 1951 with news reaching the south.

More recently 1963 I picked up the tournament and the winner Chick Purvey.

Ray's results seem to imply that Colbeck was not there that night.

Such a large cup for a wrestler notorious for losing

Here's one taken directly from a poster: