LOW scores were never going to be on the cards at Red Rose Classic MCC’s Ferndene Trial.

Torrential rain for 48 hours before the event left the venue, at Catlow Bottoms, near Nelson, waterlogged and deep in mud.

Nevertheless, clerks of the course Alan and Matt Taylor used all their experience to plot 10 rideable sections, using a very swollen Catlow Brook and surrounding farmland.

Forty-one riders turned out for four laps where just staying on your machine proved a major achievement, never mind keeping your feet on the pegs.

Section 10 typified the hazards competitors had to face, with riders entering the fast-flowing brook, exiting onto a very slippery bank, making a 180-degree turn into a long, muddy uphill climb to the finish, where the difference between grip and slip was minute.

John Maxfield emerged top of the pile with a very creditable 33 marks lost on his Bantam, with fellow Bantam rider Steve Thomas finishing runner-up on 44.

Andrew Scott also finished on 44 with his Tiger Cub, but Thomas took second on the oldest rider rule.

There were class wins for Alain Laleuf (BSA), Chris Nutter (Ariel), Peter McCawley (James), Eric Atkinson (James), John Hird (Yamaha), and Rob Jones (Honda).

The club would like to thank the landowner, the clerks of the course and the observers, their next trial is on June 8 at Walsden, near Todmorden, starting at 10.30am.

Class Results: A: Alain Laleuf (BSA) 117, B: Chris Nutter (Ariel) 51, C: John Maxfield (Bantam) 33, Steve Thomas (Bantam) 44, Andrew Scott (Cub) 44.

Ce: Peter McCawley (James) 42, Maurice Brayford (DOT) 43, Clive Butler (Bantam) 85.

D:Eric Atkinson (James) 97, T: John Hird (Yamaha) 48, Geoff Potts (Suzuki) 61, Lee Sagar (Fantic) 63.

Te: Rob Jones (Honda) 38, Phil Holey (Honda) 55, 3: Martin Richardson (Suzuki) 68