BURY Comets rode to a stunning 95-79 victory over Poole – one of cycle speedway's top sides – in the first round of the National Knockout Cup.

They came out of the blocks quickly to open up a 19-point lead after just five heats and then hung on to record one of the club's best ever results.

Ben Scranage took a superb 20-point maximum, which included victories over Gavin Wheeler and Steve Harris, two of Britain’s best riders.

Chris Parish and Danny Taylor also produced a solid set of races, while Kris Ramsden, Will Owens, James Elston, Ryan Livesey and rider/manager Neil Howarth gave excellent back-up.

Bury scorers: Ben Scranage 20 (from 5 rides), Chris Parish 17(5), Danny Taylor 16+1(5), James Elston 11+1(5), Kristian Ramsden 10+1(5), Will Owens 9+1(5), Neil Howarth 6+2(3), Ryan Livesey 6(3).

Parish has had plenty to celebrate this past week after being selected for the summer’s Great Britain test team against Australia.

The club has also enjoyed a purple patch with its youth team qualifying for the national rounds of the British Youth and Junior League and all three sides tasting victory at Hull.

In the Division One fixture, Bury showed their strength in depth to coast to a 115-63 win, while the Division Two side triumphed 81-69 and the Division Three outfit won 71-44.

A number of riders from Bury took part in the 25th anniversary meeting at near neighbours Astley & Tyldesley.

Angel Etheridge finished third in the girls’ individual race and Kaysar Mohammadi won the under-13s individual event with a perfect 20 points.

Danny Taylor followed up that with a maximum in the intermediate individual after fighting it out all the way with James Elston, who finished third on 18 points.

In the senior competition, Ben Scranage was third with 18 points.

Neil Howarth, who raced in A&T’s first ever match at Gin Pit in 1991, scored 15 points.

Bury travel to Heckmondwike in the Northern League this weekend, while training continues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Goshen.