With several late withdrawals, it was very much a makeshift Astley & Tyldesley team that took to the track for Sunday's Northern League match against Heckmondwike at Gin Pit. On a very windy day, the visitors must have fancied their chances of winning at Gin Pit for the second successive year. However, A & T put in a great display of determination and teamwork to run out deserved winners, 76-69. Remi Burchardt (pictured) won all his five races, whilst youngsters Luke Jamson and Adam Phillips put in some great rides to beat their older and more experienced opponents. Key to A & T's win was the experience and know how from brothers Mick and Andy Knowles, who along with veteran Mike Hack, scored vital points in decisive races. Heckmondwike had the top end strength, with Dave Murphy, Darren Kent and James Carter all scoring freely, with good support from Andy Bradshaw. The absence of several Polish riders saw a reversal of usual match tactics, as it was A & T who packed the minor places in many races and took the heat wins in four key races.

Northern League match result

Astley & Tyldesley 76 Heckmondwike 69

A & T: Remi Burchardt 20 Mick Knowles 15 (1), Andy Knowles 12 (3), Mike Hack 11 (1), Luke Jamson 10, Adam Phillips 8 (1).

Heckmondwike: Dave Murphy 17 (1), James Carter 17 (1), Darren Kent 15 (2), Andy Bradshaw 13 (1), Richard Westcott 7 (1).