CLASSIC 1 found no joy in their first outing on the refurbished courts at Leigh Classic World of Fitness.

Without regulars John Bulmer and Bob Morgan, they went down 4-1 to Martland Mill 3.

Their deputies, Tod Bulmer and Jim Capon, found themselves up against stern opposition, and both fell to straight sets defeats.

The same fate befell Mark Taylor at No 1, and there was no luck for Mike Howard who picked up an injury when 7-6 up in the first set and eventually succumbed.

Graham Collier showed his class with a superb 3-2 victory.

TWO riders from Astley & Tyldesley Cycle Speedway featured in the opening round of the British U16 Grand Prix series at Sheffield.

Lee Harper maintained his improvement with a steady performance for 10 points from a possible 16 in the qualifying.

This earned him a place in the 'C' Final, where he finished third.

The more experienced Damien Hack dropped just one point

in his four qualifying races to reach the 'A' Final where he finished behind Wednesfield's Chris Jewkes but ahead

of current British U16 Champion Mike Morgans, also of Wednesfield.

LEIGH canoe slalom champion Paul Ratcliffe is gearing up for the Sydney Olympics. He is to visit top store Marks & Spencer to get fitted for a parade uniform and formalwear.