ASTLEY & Tyldesley took on Sheffield Stars in a Northern Cycle Speedway League match at Gin Pit on Sunday.

The first two races were drawn, before A & T took the lead with a 6-4 heat win in heat three. Sheffield hit back with a 7-3 to take the lead, but A & T immediately levelled with a 6-4 and then took the lead with another 6-4.

The match remained close, up to a dramatic heat eight, which Frank Finnigan won for A & T, from partner Rob Longworth, who came from last to second to give A & T a six- points interval lead.

The second half saw A & T pull away for a surprisingly comfortable 82-66 win.

Tomasz Wlodarczyk and Frank Finnigan were both in great form for A & T, both men racing unbeaten, with solid back-up from the rest of the team.

Northern League match result: A & T / CTA Direct 82, Sheffield Stars 66. A & T scorers: Tomasz Wlodarczyk 20, Frank Finnigan 19 (plus 1 bonus), Chris Finnigan 14 (1), Rob Longworth 11 (2), Damien Hack 10 (1), Chris Smith 7, Mike Hack 1.

In the Individual event that followed for second team riders, Sheffield's Richard Bowler beat team mate Robert Mawhood in a run-off after both had tied for first place on 15 points, with A & T's Chris Smith 3rd after scoring 14 points.a

A & T's Mike Hack officiated in five events at the European Championships in Poland, including the Junior Team Cup in which Poland beat England 98-76 at Slesin.

On Sunday, Astley & Tyldesley entertain Tameside in a top of the table Northern League match. Tameside are unbeaten, with A & T's only defeat having come at the hands of Tameside in June. First race is at 2 pm, at the Astley & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare Club, Meanley Road, Gin Pit, Astley.

For further details, visit the club's website at www.astleycyclespeedway.org.uk