ASTLEY & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare Cycle Speedway Club took to the track for the opening league matches of the season at Bury on Sunday.

A & T's big guns were not available for this match, but the new look line-up were quickly in the action in the Northern Fours League match. Home team Bury led throughout for a comfortable win, but there was a real battle between A & T, Goshen and Heckmondwike for the second place. After 10 races A & T were second, but the Gin Pit men fell away in the last six heats to finish in fourth place.

New captain Jeff Radcliffe won two of his four races, with new signing Ewan Tulloch putting in a solid performance.

A & T tracked 10 riders for the various categories that made up the Northern Junior League match.

John Nuttall won two of his four races in the U-13 category, with a battling performance from young Dylan Radcliffe. Becky Heslop put in a good performance in her first match as an U-16 rider. Ewan Tulloch dropped just one point in the Senior Combination category, with good back-up from Mike Hack, Chris Smith and Roy Heslop.

Once again, home team Bury won the match, but a solid scoring A & T took second place overall, with defending champions Sheffield Stars third.

Training sessions continue every Tuesday evening, starting at 7 pm, at the track at the Astley & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare Club, Meanley Road, Gin Pit.