ASTLEY & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare-CTA Direct Cycle Speedway team entertained Sheffield Stars in a Midlands-North League Division Two match at Gin Pit on Sunday.

Matches between the two clubs are always raced in the most sporting of atmospheres and this match was no different.

The visitors took two 7-3 maximum heat wins in the opening four races and were always in control of the match from then on, taking the opportunity to give their reserve riders a good run-out in the match. A & T skipper Damien Hack was in excellent form, winning all his five races, with Mark Wylie also in excellent form, losing only to Jason Burke in heat 6.

Best of the A & T youngsters was Marvin Kinlock who turned in another gutsy performance. Sheffield were solid throughout, with all their team scoring well, as the Stars went on to win 85-65 to keep up their title challenge.

A & T put up a spirited challenge in the second team challenge match that followed, before the visitors pulled away in the second half of the match to record a 70-50 win.

Rob Longworth and Marvin Kinlock both won races for A & T, with Kinlock recording a personal best time when winning heat 7. Simon Gamble, Robert Hudson, Richard Bowler and the Birks brothers were all unbeaten for the Stars.

For further information on Astley & Tyldesley Cycle Speedway, visit the club's website at www.astleycyclespeedway.org.uk