ASTLEY & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare-CTA Direct opened their cycle speedway season with a trip to Leicester on Sunday.

Despite a well taken 18 points by new signing Mark Wylie, riding on a secondary registration from parent club Tameside, the Greens were well beaten by the home side, 84-64.

A & T sorely missed captain Damien Hack and Russ Holland, while talk of returns to the side by several former riders has remained just that - talk.

Wylie lost twice to Leicester's top duo of Whitehead and Jones. Mike Hack also dropped his only points to the top duo, beaten five times in all by them.

A & T scorers: Mark Wylie 18, Mike Hack 14 (plus 1 bonus), Rob Longworth 11, Steve Holland 9 (2), Becky Heslop 7, John Nuttall 3, Chris Heslop 2.

Leicester riders took the top four places in the Junior Individual that followed.

A & T scorers were: Chris Heslop 10, Rob Longworth 9, Becky Heslop 9, John Nuttall 8, Arron Haynes 4.

Astley & Tyldesley are continuing to hold their weekly club recruitment and training nights every Wednesday, starting at 7pm. For just £2 per session, newcomers can use the club's bikes and helmets and sample the delights of the sport of cycle speedway at the north's regional centre track. The club are currently looking to recruit new riders to bolster the club's racing squad.

The circuit is located at the Astley & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare Club, Meanley Road, Gin Pit, Astley.

For further details contact Mike Hack either by phone on 01942 515341 or by e-mail at m.hack@blueyonder.co.uk