AARON Crowder gave a motocross master class to power to double glory on a wet and windy Whalley Nab.

The Nelson rider was in unstoppable form in the second of Rossendale AMC's four race series -- and only a torrential downpour prevented him from a hat-trick of wins.

Overnight rain made sure the new improved course was in perfect condition but a race-day downpour forced organisers to cancel the last round of races.

Crowder, who is also a member of the Sanderford Honda team, won all three sets in the first round to leave him in complete control of the club championship.

Event organiser Andy Simpson said: "Aaron is something of a local hero around here. He may be approaching the twilight of his career but when he is in this form, no-one can touch him."

More than 500 race-goers turned up to see the expected showdown between Crowder and his arch-rival Rick D'Feu of West Lancs -- the two currently occupy the top two places in the 750cc National Championships.

But D'Feu failed to show so it was left to Crowder to pick up maximum points in the 250cc/750cc expert class. Rob Clitheroe from Chorley, who rides for the Charnock Richard club, was second with Liverpool's Andrew Kenningly in third place.

Simpson added: "It was a shame about having to call a halt to proceedings but we were worried about getting riders off the paddock at the end. Also the race is held on an agricultural field and we didn't want to ruin it."

A total of 260 junior and senior riders took part in the event, which was split in to 10 categories. Top of the local junior riders were Daniel Carr and Austin Foy.

The Rossendale AMC pair finished in first and second place respectively in the Junior 125cc class. Simon Greaves, also of Rossendale AMC took top spot in the Junior 250cc class with club-mate Kris Farrar in fourth spot.

In the Youth One class, Ryan Newbury of the host club was fourth on his 85cc Sanderford Honda. And Darwen's Ben Langford also took a fourth place on a Yamaha 85cc in the Youth Two class.

In the main event of day, Crowder dominated both races but he was given a run for his money early in race one by club-mate Matt Hopkinson who was competing in the 750cc expert class for the first time.

Hopkinson was up there with the championship riders before having to settle for eighth place.

Andy Simpson thanked the Red Cross for attending and also John Pickard of Great Harwood for the use of his land.

The final two rounds of the series will take place on Sunday, July 13 and Sunday, August 17. Anyone interested in joining the club, members meet at the Crown Hotel, Haslingden every Wednesday at 9pm. For further details contact Andy Peacock on 01254 761091.