Astley & Tyldesley suffered a narrow defeat in their opening Northern League Division 1 match of the season, on Sunday.
Team Green travelled to last year's league runners-up, Stockport, and put in a determined showing, to go agonizingly close,
losing 88-86.
Stockport got off to a maximum 7-2 heat win in heat 1, after Kyle Holland, on his A&T debut, was excluded for a false start.
The home side never surrendered that lead, but A&T snapped away for all the eighteen races. Damian Zareba was in brilliant form
for A&T, unbeaten by an opponent in his six races, with solid support from Reece Pollitt, Max Evans and Kyle Holland.
Northern League Division 1 match result
Stockport 88 Astley & Tyldesley 86
A&T scorers: Damian Zareba 23 (plus 1 bonus), Reece Pollitt 16, Max Evans 13 (1), Kyle Holland 12, Ciaran Collins 9 (1),
Paul Graham 6 (1), Mick Knowles 5, Mark Grantham 2.
Stockport fielded an ineligible rider for the Division 2 match, so conceded 20 penalty points. Remarkably, the home team overcame
this disadvantage to run out 87-80 winners. Emily Burgess top scored for A&T in this match.
Northern League Division 2 match result
Stockport 87 Astley & Tyldesley 80
A&T scorers: Emily Burgess 13, Mark Grantham 10 (2), Max Evans 10 (1), Matt Snell 10, Mick Knowles 9, John White 5 (1), Ben Forshaw 3.
A&T began their defence of the Division 3 league title, with an emphatic 100-10 win. Emily Burgess top scored in the u-13 category,
losing just once to team mate John White. Duncan Whalley, on his A&T debut, raced unbeaten in the u-10 category.
Northern League Division 3 match result
Stockport 10 Astley & Tyldesley 100
A&T scorers: Duncan Whalley 16, Josh Parkinson 15, Emily Burgess 15, John White 13, Aiden Green 12, Frank White 11, Charlie Burgess 8,
Sabrina Evans 6, Jack Murray 4.
Astley & Tyldesley stage their opening home Northern League fixtures of the season next Sunday (2nd April). Glasgow are the visitors
for a 12 noon start, followed by a match against the new Fife team at 2 pm. Racing takes place at Astley & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare Club,
Meanley Road, Gin Pit, Tyldesley, M29 7DW.
For more information on cycle speedway, ladies rides, road rides and off road rides, visit the Astley & Tyldesley Cycling Club's website
at www.astleycyclespeedway.org.uk
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