Astley & Tyldesley took on Sheffield Stars in a Northern Cycle Speedway League match at a hot and sunny Gin Pit on Sunday. The start of the match was delayed due to the non-arrival of referee Alan Farrell. However, a replacement official from Sheffield was found and the match got underway.

The first two races were drawn, before A & T took the lead with a 6-4 heat win in heat 3. Sheffield hit back with a 7-3 to take the lead, but A & T immediately levelled with a 6-4 and then took the lead with another 6-4. The match remained close, up to a dramatic heat 8. Frank Finnigan won the race for A & T, with a great ride from partner Rob Longworth to come from last to second to give A & T a 6 points interval lead. The second half saw A & T pull away for a surprisingly comfortable 82-66 win, with several Sheffield riders hitting problems on exiting the pits bend.

Tomasz Wlodarczyk and Frank Finnigan were both in great form for A & T, both men racing unbeaten by an opponent, with solid back-up from the rest of the team. Sheffield, ably led by Martin Gamble, scored solidly, but could provide only 3 of the 15 race winners.

Northern League match result:

Astley & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare / CTA Direct 82 Sheffield Stars 66.

A & T: Tomasz Wlodarczyk 20, Frank Finnigan 19 (plus 1 bonus), Chris Finnigan 14 (1), Rob Longworth 11 (2), Damien Hack 10 (1), Chris Smith 7, Mike Hack 1.

Sheffield: Martin Gamble 14, Robert Hudson 11 (1), Chris Turner 11, Peter Pearson 10 (1), Martin Cain 9 (2), Mick Knowles 7 (1), Richard Bowler 2 (1), Adrian Brownell 2.

Referee - Steve Pearson (Sheffield).

In the Individual event that followed for 2nd team riders, Sheffield's Richard Bowler beat team mate Robert Mawhood in a run-off after both had tied for first place on 15 points, with A & T's Chris Smith 3rd after scoring 14 points.