THERE was sweet revenge for Astley & Tyldesley Cycle Speedway on Sunday.

They opened their Midlands/North Division Two campaign with a dramatic one-point defeat (75-74) of Sandwell -- the Midlands team that edged them out of the title last season.

Martin Phillips rode unbeaten, with Mike Hack dropping just 1 point and Damien Hack also scoring well.

Scorers: Phillips 20, Mike Hack 19, Damien Hack 16, Lee Harper 8 (1 bonus), David Farley 7 (1), Rob Dandy 5.

A&T fielded four new riders in the second team challenge with John Harper recording a fine score on his debut.

His son, Lee Harper, rode unbeaten, as did Martin Phillips when replacing two injured riders.

Final score: A&T B 78 Sandwell B 71.

Scorers: Lee Harper 19 (1), David Farley 18 (1), Phillips 16, John Harper 14 (3), Jamie Harper 5, Roy Patten 3, Laura Harper 3.

Racing in the British Junior Grand Prix series at Stoke on Saturday, Damien Hack turned in another excellent showing.

He was third in the U16 A Final.

A&T continue to hold club training nights each Wednesday (7pm) at the Gin Pit track. Newcomers are always welcome for a free trial.