IT was a tough weekend for Bury Cycle Speedway Club, suffering defeats in each of the three divisions at the hands of local rivals and defending Northern League champions, Astley and Tyldesley.

Team Green’s strength in depth was in evidence from the outset, as it had been in the previous weekend’s demolition of multiple title holders, Stockport.

In the Under-13 Division Three Grand Prix, Bury’s riders fought valiantly against powerful and numerous opposition – Harry Radford and Tom Dumphy both fully involved in the action, with Radford unbeaten.

Early in the Division One match, it looked as though the Comets would be able to hold the scores reasonably close, with some excellent work from Adams, Turnbull and Taylor.

However, with the addition of Pawel Idzoirek and Steve Harris over the winter months, A&T proved too strong and again took control, none of the Comets really at their best.

Riding unbeaten from his six races, Idzoirek looked exceptional despite his recent return to the sport following an absence of three years.

For the home side, Turnbull and Kris Ramsden were solid, but in general it was one to forget for the Comets as they went down 136-24.

The final match of the day was more competitive.

With Eryk Motala returning from holiday, the Comets’ side had a more solid look and Louis Turner again impressed with a powerful display of gating and speed.

Turner was well backed by captain Kaysar Mohammadi, Radford, Motala and Dawar Mohammadi.

Steve Mann was unusually out of sorts, suffering an injury in heat nine.

In the end A&T tactical reserves proved the difference between the sides, Max Evans and Mick Knowles weighing in with 27 points from their eight rides combined as Bury went down 78-69.

The Comets now have a long break from league action, with their next Northern League fixture on Sunday, May 20 in Edinburgh.

In the meantime, a number of Bury’s riders will be in action for the regional Battle of Britain sides, at junior and senior levels.

Training and recruitment also continues on Thursday evenings, from 6pm, at Goshen Sport Centre and all are welcome.