RIDERS from Astley & Tyldesley Cycle Speedway began their Manchester League Division Two title defence in fine style.

British champions Lee Smethills and Damien Hack were unbeaten while Dale Edwards dropped just one point.

Final score: A&T 75, Bury 65, Denton 53, Sheffield 20.

Scorers: Hack 16, Smethills 16, Edwards 15, Danny Ward 14, Matthew Helme 14, Robert Black 14, Martin Phillips 10, Patrick Roberts 9, Jonathan Hughes 8, Shane Collier 7, Danny Black 7.

A&T took runners-up spot in the Northern Junior Fours Tournament at Tameside.

Final score: Tameside 55, A&T 51, Heckmondwike 38, Bury 34, Hull 21.

Scorers: Smethills 16, Ward 13, Phillips 13, Hack 7, Edwards 2.

Two exclusions for Lee Phillips ended any hopes A&T had of progressing in the Northern Senior Fours.

First qualifying match score: Bury 46, Stockport A 34, A&T 30.

Scorers: Smethills 9, Mike Hack 7 (+1), Lee Phillips 7, Martin Phillips 6 (1), Ward 5.

A&T battled hard in their British Team Cup first round tie at Bury.

But they eventually conceded defeat at 100-78 - Lee Smethills 17, Mike Hack 14, Damien Hack 13, Lee Phillips 12 (+2), Martin Phillips 9 (1), Dale Edwards 5, Carl Howarth 4, Robert Black 4.

Bury won 63-57 in the 2nd team challenge, Edwards riding unbeaten, Damien Hack, Howarth and Black all scoring good wins.

A&T opened their Manchester League Division One campaign at Stockport.

Score: Stockport 55, Denton 54, A&T 37.

Scorers: Smethills 9, Edwards 9, Mike Hack 8, Lee Phillips 7 (2), Martin Phillips 4.

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