"FRUSTRATION" is perhaps the only word to describe the best week for Bury Pedal-Sport, when two more Northern Alliance defeats finally killed off any lingering hope the team had of retaining the championship they won last year.

An epic battle with near neighbours Astley and Tyldesley promised much, as Bury led by a handful of points through most of the 15 heats, but having come behind in heat 12 and then pulling it back with a brilliant 7-3 in the penultimate race, it all came to nothing in the final race.

Needing just 5-5 to win the match Paul Dyson and Fred Rothwell made a valliant effort but the strong Astley pairing held their nerve and eventually took the points 7-3 to win 76-74.

Final scores: Ben Scranage 15 + 1, Tom Doyle 14 + 1, Fred Rothwell 13, Paul Dyson 12, Scott Jarman 11 + 4, John Whiting 9 + 1.

A weakened team through injuries then travelled to Hull and suffered a rare defeat by the surprisingly large margin of 89-59. Final scores: Paul Dyson 15, Chris Parish 10, Scott Jarman 9 + 1, Ashley Simpson 9 + 1, Ben Scranage 9, John Whiting 7 + 1.

On the way home the same six riders called at the Heckmondwike track, in a rare two away fixtures in one day situation, and this time managed a consolation victory 78-65.

Final scores: Paul Dyson 17, John Whiting 14 + 3, Ben Scranage 14 + 1, Ashley Simpson 13, Chris Parrish 10 + 2, Scott Jarman 10 +1.

The home international at the Great Blakenham track in Suffolk thren followed, with Ben Scrange and Tom Doyle finding themselves on opposing sides, as both scored 6pts, Ben from three rides for Engalnd and Tom from four rides for Ireland.

Final scores: England 58, Scotland 46, Wales 41, Ireland 26.