THE fifth member of Bury's successful junior squad, Tom Doyle, came into his own on an exciting evening at Astley and Tyldesley on Tuesday.

The 15-year-old came of age in cycle speedway terms when he won the Manchester League under-16 Individual championship with 19 points ahead of Tameside's Chris Eaton (18), and Bury's Ben Scranage (16).

Discovered in the same recruitment campaign in 1997, Tom has always been in the shadow of Matthew Parr, Robert Pearce, Ben Scranage, and Scott Jarman, but these five have dominated northern junior racing ever since, which Tom usually just making up the numbers. But after a brilliant performance indoors last winter, he has been scoring well all season.

Tom has secured several runner-up and third place trophies but this is the first title he has won, and to crown a great evening, he took third place in the under-19s.

Robert Pearce took the title with a 20-point maximum, with Tameside's Mark Wylie beating Tom in a run-off for second and third when the tied on 17 points. Chris Eaton also tied but was excluded at the start with Ben Scranage one point adrift on 16 after an earlier start exclusion.

A very popular and hard-working member of the club, Tom Doyle, known as 'TD' by his team-mates, won the club's Turner Trophy for the most improved rider. It was awarded last winter by the committee, as a tangible reward for his efforts.

No local racing last week-end. The British team championships at Eaton, Norwich, produced an exciting finale as Southampton beat Leicester 92-84. Earlier, Southampton had beaten Scotia 111-66, and Leicester beat Wednesfield by a single point 88-87 in the two semi-finals.

A big weekend ahead with the British Under-16 team championships at Coventry tomorrow, with Bury looking for big performances from Ben Scranage and Tom Doyle. On Sunday, the final round of the Northern Fours and Junior league is at Astley and Tyldesley, noon. Bury could take five of the six trophies. A big turn-out is required; all members please note.