Poole 100
Bury 76

Bury travelled to the south coast for a challenging fixture in the British Team Cup against former champions, Poole at the weekend.

With both clubs celebrating their 40th anniversaries this year, the teams exchanged a specially designed flag to mark the occasion.

The opening two heats were drawn at the well-appointed harbourside circuit but Poole took command in heats three and four, following an unfortunate fall from Chris Parish whilst attempting a pass on former British champion Gavin Wheeler. Scranage and Danny Taylor took a 6-4 heat win in heat nine, reducing the deficit, but at half time it was the hosts who led 49-40. The seaside location of the Poole track means that riders must cope with strong breezes. It is imperative for riders to remain completely still at the starting gate, with Kris Ramsden receiving an exclusion in heat 11.

As the match drew to a close, Bury were holding their own but crucially only Parish and Scranage were able to win races.

Ben Scranage was harshly excluded in heat 17, as Poole captain Ben Donohue tried an ambitious pass down the inside. The Goshen eight fought hard throughout the match, but home advantage, a fair share of luck and slightly quicker starts from the hosts saw them run out winners.

Poole now progress to finals weekend at Exeter in September.

Bury scorers: Ben Scranage 16 (5 rides), Chris Parish 14 (5), Will Owens 11+1 (5), Neil Howarth 10 (4), Kristian Ramsden 9 (5), Danny Taylor 8+1 (5), James Elston 6+1 (5), Adam Turnbull 2 (2).

While the first team were engaged at Poole, two younger members of the club were racing and representing the Bury club at Ipswich, in the regional final of the British youth and Junior league.

Louis Turner and Tom Whitwam, both aged 10, made the long journey looking to increase their points haul in this well supported Grand Prix series.

Whitwam scored well for the Comets, winning all of his races to take fourth place in the Under-12s Grand Prix.

However, his performances over the previous events ensured that he remains in third place in the national series table.

Turner rode well and only missed a final position due to a racing exclusion which cost him four points and a place in the ride offs.

With the European Championships taking place in Torun, Poland this weekend there is no action for the Comets on Sunday.