Astley & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare / CTA Direct Cycle Speedway team entertained Sheffield Stars in a Midlands / North League Division 2 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.

Midlands / North League Division 2 match score:

Astley & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare / CTA Direct 65 Sheffield Stars 85

A & T scorers: Damien Hack 20, Mark Wylie 19, Marvin Kinlock 8, Rob Longworth 7, Becky Heslop 4, John Nuttall 3, David Greenough 2, Chris Heslop 2.

Sheffield scorers: Simon Gamble 12 (plus 2 bonus), Robert Hudson 12 (2), Jonathan Birks 11 (2), Richard Bowler 11 (1), Martin Cain 11 (1), Peter Pearson 10 (3), Jason Burke 10, Ashley Birks 8 (2).

A & T put up a spirited challenge in the 2nd team challenge match that followed, before the visitors pulled away in the 2nd 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.

2nd Team Challenge match score:

Astley & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare / CTA Direct 50 Sheffield Stars 70

A & T scorers: Marvin Kinlock 11 (plus 1 bonus), Rob Longworth 11, David Greenough 8 (1), Peter Kinlock 8 (1), Chris Heslop 5, John Nuttall 4, Becky Heslop 3.

Sheffield scorers: Richard Bowler 13 (3), Simon Gamble 12, Robert Hudson 11 (1), Jamie Brown 10, Martin Gamble 9, Jonathan Birks 8, Richard Whiteley 4, Ashley Birks 3 (1).