PROMOTION and relegation is at stake this year and a top position in each group after three rounds will determine competition in the top section in the second phase.

After losing the first round at Sheffield a couple of weeks ago, the Goshen team produced a top notch performance to win their group match, leaving all to race for in the third round at Astley and Tyldesley in two weeks time.

The Heckmonwike track was in dry slippery condition making passing difficult but the Goshen side battled strongly taking the win with 46 pts ahead of Hull, 40, and Sheffield, 34.

Mark Rushby was brilliant with 16 pts maximum, Steve Muff 13+2, Fred Rothwell 12+1, John Redmond 4, Dave O'Callaghan (reserve) 1.

Bury's team, who tied the first round with Tameside, were up against it with a depleted line-up but fought hard to hold on to second place with 38 pts, behind Tameside's 49 and Bury's third team, under the Stockport Banner, with 33.

BURY: Ben Scranage 15, Neil Howarth 10+1, Matthew Parr 9, Stuart Howarth 4. STOCKPORT: John Whiting 12+1, Tom Doyle 8+1, Dave Morgan 7+1, Scott Jarman 6.

This match was most notable for a vintage ride by veteran John Whiting, who beat Tameside's Terry Norman in head six.

The final fours match of the day saw Scotia take their win with 47 points ahead of Heckmonwike, 46 and Astley & Tyldesley, 15.

NORTHERN FOURS LEAGUE (After two rounds): GROUP A: Goshen 88 race pts,5 match pts; Sheffield 77, 3; Hull 73, 3; GROUP B: Tameside 94, 5; Bury 83, 4; Stockport 59 2; GROUP C: Scotia 98, 6; Heckmonwike 83,4; Astley & Tyldesley 47 2.

In the junior league, Tom Doyle rode unbeaten in the Under 16s and Ben Scranage also scored maximum points in the Under 19 group, both took four wins and 16 pts.

On Sunday Bury-Pedal Sport are at home to Heckmonwike in the re-vamped Northern League starting at 2pm at the Goshen track. An unofficial secondary match will follow for any additional riders and new recruits.

"Come and try it" sessions will again be held along with club training on Thursday evening from 7pm.