FOLLOWING the excitement of the British Indoor Cycle Speedway Individuals, when Ben Scrannage (u-16) and Robert Pearce (u-19) both took runners-up trophies at Broughton Recreation Centre, the competitors in the Northern Championships had a lot to live up to.

The racing was somewhat subdued as the u-19 championship got under way and both Ben and Robert seemed to struggle slightly on the slippery surface. After a good opening ride when Robert beat Ben, they both suffered third place in their next rides.

Ben scored a total of 15 points, Robert and Scott Jarman 14 each, Martin Degnan 11, Tom Doyle 9, but there were no Bury riders in contention for the first three races.

Fortunately, the two leading contenders had mastered their 'gremlins' as their own age group, u-16 event, got under way.

Ben Scranage pulled off a brilliant ride in heat three, passing Robert in the process, to secure a race win that proved vital in the final reckoning. Both Ben and Robert never put a wheel wrong in their remaining rides and after 20 exciting heats it was the younger Ben who took the Northern title with an impeccable maximum 20 points. Robert secured runner-up place with 19 points, one ahead of their main challenger, Astley and Tyldesley's Damian Hack with 18 points. Scott Jarman scored a battling 15 points despite a serious hand injury received the previous week.

There was more success for Bury when Derek Garnett took third place overall in a somewhat low-key veteran's championship, and Neil Howarth, took a very deserving overall third place in a strong senior competition.

Neil scored three wins, a second and third in his 17 points, tying with Heckmondwike's Stuart Carter, and Bury's surprise packet, Robert Pearce for runner-up position behind Darren Kent who took the title for Heckmondwike with 19 points.

Robert was excluded for bringing his opponent down in the tie-breaker and Neil was unable to catch the flying 'Tyke' in the re-run. Derek Garnet scored 12 points and Ben Scranage 7.

The management of Bury Cycle Speedway Club wish to extend their greetings for Christmas and the New Year to all their members, friends, sponsors, supporters, and the staff at the Bury Times.

We look forward to the club annual meeting in the new year and then an exciting season of racing to follow.