JUNIOR riders took centre-stage last weekend when the first round of the British Youth and Junior League took place at the Goshen track on Saturday and the following day at Heckmondwike, the second round of the Northern Fours and Junior League was completed.

Both events were held in damp conditions, although thankfully the actual rain held off during the racing sessions.

Bury Pedal Sport riders in abundance contested most of the junior age groups. On Saturday, an overall second place was a good result in a competition in which success needs a combination of rider ability and the number of competing riders.

Sandwell dominated the proceedings with twelve riders and a total of 134 points over Burys nine riders and 89 points which was well ahead of Astley and Tyldesley 55 pts, Sheffield 53, Leicester 36, Hull 32 and Tameside 24. Seven teams competed out of the thirteen eligible for this Midlands/North Group.

In the under 10s Declan O'Shea scored 12 pts for Bury from his four rides and took fourth place in the 'A' final for 16 grand prix points.

Despite a heavy fall in his first ride Chris Dyson did well in the Under 12 Group scoring 12 pts and third in the A Final 18 GP points. Ryan O'Shea 11 and Michael Collins 10. Both made the B final which Ryan won for 14 GP points with Michael second for 13. Shiret Dyson scored 3 pts after a heavy fall first time out.

In the under 14s, Will Collins scored 12 and third in the A final 18 GP pts. Chris Parrish 9 pts and Ashley Simpson 5 were in the under 16s, with Chris taking 12 GP pts for third in the B final.

Finally and perhaps the best news of all Ben Scranage was welcomed back to the track following his serious car accident before Christmas and following a tentative second place in his opening ride rattled of three wins for 15 pts before winning the A final for the maximum 25 GP pts.

After overnight rain the Heckmondwike track was heavy on Sunday and riders found it hard going.

Chris Dyson was Bury's best in the under 13s taking second spot with 15 points from three wins and a second. Ryan O'Shea scored 10, brother Declan 8, and Michael Collins 8.

In the U16s Chris Parrish took second spot with 14 pts, Ashley Simpson 10 and Will Collins 8. Ben Scranage scored a somewhat cautious 13 in the under 19s, Tom Doyle 10 and Michael Parrish 4.

Bury's combined total of 122 gave them second place on the day behind Sheffield but they still top the overall league after two rounds.

In the senior fous league bury came second with 38 pts behind Tameside 48 and ahead of Heckmondwike 37 and Goshen 30.

Bury: Paul Dyson 12, Neil Howarth 12, Steve Muff 7, Fred Rothwell 7. Goshen: Tom Doyle 10, John Whiting 7, Steve Mann 6, Scott Jarman 6, Michael Parrish 1 on Sunday Bury entertain Sandwell at The Goshen Track 2pm start.