NO sooner had the dust settled on the final act of last year, when Ben Scranage was named Sportsman of the Year by Bury Metro Sports Forum, than the cycle speedway fraternity were out practising at the Goshen circuit.

The cold, wet and muddy conditions left everyone wishing they were back in the warm, dry, Broughton Sports Centre basking in the glory of four British championships achieved at the end of last year.

Now, just two weeks later, they face their first competitive contest of the new season with an away pre-season challenge match at Astley and Tyldesley on Sunday, starting at 1pm.

All ages and categories are urged to turn up for what promises to be a good work-out and everyone is promised some excellent sporting action.

l A bag containing football equipment was left in Goshen car park adjacent to the cycle speedway track last weekend.

If the owner will contact Tony Mann on 0161 705 2378, describe the bag and contents, arrangements can be made for retrieval.