It was a depleted Astley & Tyldesley Cycle Speedway team that travelled to Sheffield for the opening round of the Northern Fours and Junior Leagues on Sunday. Several riders failed to turn up without prior notification or subsequent explanation, forcing team manager Mike Hack to field two youngsters in the line-up for the Senior Fours match, as well as weakening the Junior League team.

The riders who did turn out performed really well, amazingly taking fourth place out of seven teams in the Junior League match. Rob Longworth scored well in the U-13 category, as did Mike Hack in the Senior Combination category, with Damien Hack winning three races in the U-19 category and suffering a rare start exclusion in his other race. Young John Nuttall put in two good rides to keep opponents behind him.

Northern Junior League match score: Stoke 95 Sheffield 88 Bury 58 Astley & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare / CTA Direct 50 Hull 43 Tameside 39 Heckmondwike 0.

A & T scorers: Rob Longworth 13, Mike Hack 13, Damien Hack 12, John Nuttall 6, Arron Haynes 6.

Youngsters Longworth and Nuttall were drafted in to the team for the Senior Fours match, and despite their best efforts, not surprisingly failed to beat an opponent. The father and son duo of Mike and Damien Hack both put in sterling performances to score 12 points each, from their four rides. A & T pushed Heckmondwike all the way, before narrowly losing out and finishing bottom of the pile.

Northern Fours League match score: Stockport 47 Hull 44 Heckmondwike 36 Astley & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare / CTA Direct 32.

A & T scorers: Mike Hack 12, Damien Hack 12, Rob Longworth 4, John Nuttall 4.

Not surprisingly, following Sunday's debacle, team manager Mike Hack is stepping up his efforts to secure replacement riders who can be relied upon to turn out for the club in matches. Any interested newcomers or former riders are urged to attend the club's weekly training sessions at the Astley & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare Club, Meanley Road, Gin Pit, Astley. Sessions are held every Wednesday evening, starting at 7 pm. Bikes and helmets are available for hire at just £2 per session.  First session is FREE!!!

For further details, contact Mike Hack either by phone on 01942 515341

Mike Hack Astley & Tyldesley Cycle Speedway Club Secretary