THE opening of the 2005 cycle speedway season provided Bury-Pedalsport with a double victory over Hull in their Midland North Regional League, combination and first division matches at the Goshen track.

After recent worries over the shale surface the track itself was in good order for the time of year, and some excellent racing took place, although both teams were without key riders.

The official party to Australia, deprived Bury of two regular first teamers and last year's injury jinx seemed to overlap into the new season, as two regular second teamers have suffered injuries playing football.

Bury got the action off to a good start in the combination league with a 69.51 win. Veteran Steve Mann and youngster Chris Parish shared the scoring honours, with 14 plus one bonus point each losing to an opponent just once. Tom Doyle also only dropped one point with 12+3. Mikey Hewittson and Chris Dyson each added nine, Leo Brindley eight and one, and veteran John Burston, making a tentative return, scored three points from his one ride.

Some determined riding by the first team riders built up the score to a good lead and in the end the 109-71 scoreline was their just reward for their efforts.

Young second team captain, Tom Doyle, riding at No 2, scored a brilliant 20pts maximum, believed to be his best senior performance to date. Neil Howarth 18+2 and Ben Scranage 16+ 4 were also unbeaten and Edinburgh- based, 15 year old Mikey Hewittson, who has committed himself to Bury this year, was very impressive with 17 pts on his debut for this new club. Stephen Ward added 16+3 dropping to just one point, Chris Parish scored 12, Steve Mann 5+1 and Leo Brindley 5.

It was a good opening day for the club but both teams will meet sterner opposition in the coming weeks.

The northern league fixture scheduled to open the proceedings was postponed at Hull's request and will be re-scheduled.

On Sunday, Bury are away at Sandwell, Birmingham, for the Midland/North regional fixtures, starting as usual at 2pm, with the combination match.

Veteran Fred Rothwell was in action again in Australia and after progressing through two qualifying stages was eliminated from the world individual championship after scoring eight points in the semi-final.

Aussies' won both world titles. Daniel Pudney is the new senior world champion after finishing ahead of defending champion, Dave Hempsey, Leicester, and Lee Aris, Wednesfield.

The junior title was won by Joe Clarke, ahead of East Anglian rivals Daniel Pike and Nick Myhill. All the riders mentioned rode in the world finals at Bury in 2003.