Astley & Tyldesley entertained Hull at Gin Pit on Sunday in a British Team Championship, Preliminary Round match. A & T gave debuts to all round cyclists Chris Furber and James Griffin following impressive performances in Tuesday night training sessions, but this boost was tempered by the absence of four 1st choice riders. Hull arrived with a solid squad, with Cory Graham making a rare appearance. A torrential downpour flooded the track two hours before the match, but the improved drains withstood their first major test, and the track was in fine condition, albeit a little on the soft side, for the match.

Hull opened up with two 7-3 heat wins and took immediate control of the match. A & T riders battled hard to stay in contention, with Griffin and Furber both riding well and only inexperience prevented them from scoring more. Chris Cook, Darren Spencer and Andy Schofield all raced unbeaten for Hull, with solid support from the rest of the team, whilst Mike Hack was A & T's only race winner. Hull will now meet Scotia at home in the 1st Round on 18th May.

British Team Championship, Preliminary Round match score:

Astley & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare / CTA Direct 72  Hull 104

A & T scorers: James Griffin 13 (plus 1 bonus), Mike Hack 13 (1), Chris Furber 11, Becky Heslop 10 (2), John Nuttall 9, Chris Heslop 8 (2), Roy Heslop 8 (1).

Hull scorers: Chris Cook 20, Darren Spencer 19 (1), Andy Schofield 18 (2), Ben Moody 13, Cory Graham 11 (1), Andy Moody 10 (2), Dave Musgrave 8 (1), Matt Beharrel 5 (1).

Referee: Bill Phillips.