RACING went to the form book when the mighty Leicester came to Goshen for Midland North Regional Fixtures last Sunday.

The day started with Bury border flooring second team joint top of their combination Division and needing to win to retain their position and the lads rose to the occasion riding to a good workmanlike 68-49 victory over the twelve heats.

Robert Pearce 13+2 bonus points combined well with partner Ben Scranage 12+1 for a good opening pair. Steve Mann scored 11, Derek Garnett 10+1. Newcomer Martin Degnan scored a very impressive 10+1 including his first race win, Dave O'Callaghan 9 but the gloss was somewhat diminished when the experienced senior rider Steve Muff, tactically placed at reserve, crashed heavily in his second ride and a trip to Bury General Hospital confirmed a broken collar-bone, effectively putting an end to his season. Steve scored three from his only completed ride.

The senior team match saw a first ever visit to Goshen by multi-champion Dave Emsley fresh from his successful trip to Poland last weekend where he was crowned European Champion. Dave and team-mate Nigel Wragg both completed fine 20 pts maximum scores as the visitors won 107-71.

Bury only produced three race winners, one to Fred Rothwell and two by Paul Dyson, one of which lowered the colours of twice world champion Mark Newey. Paul was Bury's best with 16+1, Fred Rothwell 11, Neil Howath 10+2, Derek Garnett 9, John Whiting 8+1, Robert Pearce 8, Steve Mann 6, Ben Scranage 3.

The previous day saw Robert Pearce qualify for one British under 19 individual final at Astley and Tyldesley. Robert scored a creditable 11 pts earning him joint 7th place overall despite riding above his own age group. The only other Northern qualifier, Astley's own Damian Hall, scored 9 whilst the title was won by Long travelling Sean Woodhouse from Southampton with 19 pts ahead of Richard Williamson, Somersham, 17 and Mike Morgans of Wednesfield 15.

It's a big weekend ahead for Bury with the trip to East London on Saturday for the quarter final of the British Heavy Championship followed by a visit to Stoke on Sunday for Midland/North regional fixtures including another vital combination second team match.