Astley & Tyldesley raced an international challenge match against Slask Swietochlowice on the Monday evening following the European Championships.
It was the first time A&T have ever raced a team match in Poland, so after 16 years in A&T colours, Przemek Binkowski and Tomek Wlodarczyk finally got to
race for A&T in their homeland! Steve Harris lined up for A&T against his Polish club, whilst Kamil Bielica lined up for Slask against his British club.
The riders were introduced to the 1970 World Speedway Final silver medallist, Pawel Waloszek, and the Mayor of Swietochlowice.
A&T got off to a great start with a 7-3 heat win by Emily Burgess and Ciaran Collins. Another 6-4 to the Marcin Jakubiak and Przemek Binkowski pairing in
heat 3 put A&T six points up. Slask levelled the scores with a 6-4 in heat 8 and a similar score in the next race put them ahead for the first time.
The scores remained close for the rest of the match, with Slask running out 83-77 winners, in a very friendly and entertaining match, ridden in front of a large crowd.
Charlie Burgess won the Junior Individual series, with races run at intervals during the main match.
International Challenge match result.
Slask Swietochlowice 83 Astley & Tyldesley 77
A&T scorers: Marcin Jakubiak 14, Tomasz Wlodarczyk 13 (3), Przemek Binkowski 10, Emily Burgess 10, Ciaran Collins 9 (3), Steve Harris 8 (1), Paul Graham 6,
Mick Knowles 6, Charlie Burgess 1.
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