AN excellent afternoon's racing at Goshen last Sunday saw Bury-Pedalsport register two good Northern Alliance victories in extremely competitive and hard fought league matches against both Hull and Sheffield.

Having suffered a heavy defeat on Humberside a couple of weeks ago, the first match was expected to be tough and so it turned out as both sets of riders battled for every point in everyone of the 15 heats.

During the first half only a handful of points separated the sides but Bury just kept ahead and in the second half progressed in the same vein. In the end a 76-72 scoreline was good result for the Bury riders.

The main six riders gave their all with Ben Scranage leading the way with a four ride maximum 16 points. Neil Howarth with 14+3 played a good captain's role and Steve Muff added 13+3. John Whiting scored 11, Fred Rothwell 9+1, Tom Doyle 9 and the two reserves played their part also, Steve Mann scoring 3 and Chris Parrish 1.

The Sheffield match prove slightly easier but Bury had to be at their best to keep control taking victory by 79-67 in the end.

Ben Scranage was again unbeaten but this time Neil Howarth topped the scorers with an unbeaten five ride 19+1, Ben scored 16, Steve Muff 11+1, Tom Doyle 9+2, Fred Rothwell 9, John Whiting 8+2, Ashley Simpson 4 and Steve Mann 3.

In between the two official events, two separate individual events were run for the youngsters and additional riders from all three clubs involved in the day's racing.

In the juveniles event the brand new British under ten champion, Matt Beharrel of Hull, who won his crown just the day before Sandwell, rode unbeaten for 16 points. Bury's Leo Brindley and Ryan O'Shea 11, Jake Malloy 9 and Josh Murray 8, all contributed to an enjoyable event.

In a combination level contest, Sheffield's Adrian Brownell won with an unbeaten 16 points, Bury's Steve Mann was joint second 13, Ashley Simpson scored 11, Michael Parrish nine and Chris Parrish seven.

Over the next few weeks Bury have a run of away matches, but regular practise and training sessions continue on Thursday evenings from 7pm, when all are welcome at the Goshen track.