SCOTIA, on their return journey to Edinburgh, rode the second of their weekend fixtures having ridden at Stoke the previous day. The news that they had won the second team match left Bury-Pedalsport a little apprehensive.

In a tight combination match the teams were locked together and the first four heats were shared 5-5 before a Scot's exclusion allowed Bury to go ahead by a single point, 25-24.

Team manager, Pete Ward, placed Tom Doyle at reserve and the tactical move paid off as, using him in the second half, he rattled off three race wins following a third place in heat three. Bury trailed 43-46 with three races to go, but a 6-4 in heat 10 and a final race repeat gave Bury the chance to snatch victory by the narrowest margin, 60-59 at the last gasp.

Doyle led the way with 14+1 bonus point and "comeback-man", Steve Ellsworth, rode consistently for 12 points which included a win. Ashley Simpson added 11. Steve Mann, who was a little below par, indulged in some team riding with his partner 8+2; Michael Parish 7; Chris Parish 5+1; David Parish 3+1.

Bury didn't look too strong on paper for the first team match with skipper Neil Howarth, and Scott Jarman out with injuries, but the team rose to the occasion and took control right from the start with a from-the-back 7-3.

Ben Scranage, who had five unbeaten rides, and his partner Tom Doyle who dropped just one point to an opponent, were the opening pair and topped the score sheet as the combined efforts of the Bury side produced a convincing victory over the 18 heats, 99-74.

Ben Scranage 19+1; Tom Doyle 17+1; Paul Dyson 12+1; Fred Rothwell 12; Steve Muff 11+1; John Whiting 11; Ashley Simpson 9; Chris Parish 8.

Congratulation from everyone at the club to long-serving club captain, Neil Howarth, and Jenny Hislop, who were married in Ireland last Thursday. The couple are on honeymoon in Cuba for the next couple of weeks.

On Sunday, the Bury club entertain the other long-distance travellers, Hellingly Lion from near Eastbourne, and will be hoping to reverse the two defeats they suffered on the south coast a few weeks ago. The venue is Goshen track, 2pm start.