ASTLEY and Tyldesley bounced back to winning ways in the Northern League Division One, after beating Northumbria Vikings 88-80, at Gin Pit on Sunday.

A&T took heat wins in three of the opening five races to move into a 29-20 lead, but the visitors hit back in heat 6 when both Northumbria riders came through on the last bend to take a 7-3 heat win.

A&T hit back with a 6-4 heat win to hold a seven points lead at the interval.

They kept their noses in front during the second half and sealed the points with a 7-3 heat win in heat 17, before the visitors took a consolation 7-3 win in the last heat over A&T's reserve riders.

Reece Pollitt raced unbeaten for A&T and recorded the fastest time of the day, with the others putting in a solid team effort, to hold a lead throughout the match from heat two until the end.

Northern League Division 1 match result

Astley & Tyldesley 88 Northumbria 80

A&T scorers: Reece Pollitt 19 (plus 1 bonus), Danny Hughes 16 (1), Paul Graham 12 (2), Mark Grantham 10 (1), Gareth Paine 10, Max Evans 9 (3), Mark Mulvey 9, Charlie Burgess 3.

The Division Two match was closely fought throughout.

The scores were level at the end of heat 6, before the visitors took two successive 6-4 heat wins, to take a lead that they never relinquished, to win 77-73. Max Evans, Mark Grantham and Gareth Paine all won races for A&T, but the team just fell short.

Northern League Division 2 match result

Astley & Tyldesley 73 Northumbria 77

A&T scorers: Max Evans 16 (1), Mark Grantham 15 (1), Gareth Paine 14 (2), Jon Quarmby 13, John White 9, Joe Quarmby 6 (1).

Northern League Division 3 match result

Astley & Tyldesley 76 Northumbria 0

A&T scorers: Joe Quarmby 15, Emily Burgess 14, John White 13, Charlie Burgess 12, Jack Murray 10, Lucy Grantham 6, Max Quarmby 6.

For more information on cycle speedway, ladies road rides and off road leisure rides, visit the Astley & Tyldesley Cycling Club's website at www.astleycyclespeedway.org.uk