JACK Spencer kept his feet on the pegs to score his best British Trials Championship result.

The 23-year-old Bacup rider finished eighth overall on Sunday’s Scarborough Trial, held at Low North Park.

But Spencer was left to rue decisions by the observers after he picked up four controversial five-mark penalties during the day.

Observers watch riders through each section and score them according to the number of times they put their feet down to stay balanced on the bike.

Spencer said: “I felt like I rode really well but I did not think the penalties were fair. We protested four of them at the end but it did not make any difference.”

Without the extra 20 extra marks incurred, Spencer would have finished fourth overall.

He said: “It was disappointing but just one of those things. I am happy that I am riding better than ever this year, and this is the second eighth-placed finish on the trot.

“I am on course for a place in the top 10 in the overall standings which has been my aim this year.”

Spencer takes delivery of a new Beta 300 next week in readiness for his appearance as a wildcard entry at Britain’s round of the World Championship on June 14 and 15 in Cumbria.

He is sponsored by Beta UK, Sandiford Offroad of Burnley, and John Whittle of Back Cowm Off Road Centre, Whitworth.

Result: 1 James Dabill (Vertigo) 17 marks, 2 Ross Danby (Jotagas) 29, 3 Billy Bolt (Ossa) 32, 4 Sam Connor (Beta) 41, 5 Alex Chilton (Beta) 46, 6 Alexz Wigg (Gas Gas) 46, 7 Jack Price (Gas Gas) 48, 8 Jack Spencer (Beta) 57.