MATCH REPORT: A&T still in the title hunt

Astley & Tyldesley ran out convincing 90-59 winners over Heckmondwike in Sunday’s Northern League Division 1 match at Gin Pit. A&T took the lead in heat 2 and the result was never in doubt from then on.

A&T’s Radek Handke and Damian Zareba both lost once only to fellow Pole, Pawel Idziorek, who in turn lost twice to former World number 3, Handke. Zareba was the only A&T rider not to win a race, but he unselfishly shepherded his race partner home in all his five races.

Handke recorded the fastest time of the season, 42.00 seconds, in winning the last race. With league leaders Stockport losing at Edinburgh, this win keeps A&T very much in the title race.

Astley & Tyldesley 90: Radek Handke 19, Reece Pollitt 15 (2), Damian Zareba 14 (5), Luke Jamson 12 (1), Danny Hughes 10 (1), Lee Phillips 9 (1), Mark Mulvey 6 (1), Ciaran Collins 5.
Heckmondwike 59: Pawel Idziorek 18, Adam Watson 12 (1), Darren Kent 9, Justin Naylor 7 (1), Laura Watson 7, Mick Knowles 6.

Referee – Bill Phillips

Astley & Tyldesley made it seven wins out of seven in the Northern League Division 3 match. Heckmondwike had started the day as league leaders, having ridden two matches more than A&T, but A&T regained top spot with a comfortable 64-38 win. Max Evans won three races and top scored for A&T, whilst Heckmondwike’s Will Naylor lost only to Evans in heat 8.

Astley & Tyldesley 64: Max Evans 14, Joe Quarmby 13, Charlie Dickinson 12, Luke Hill 10, Lucy Grantham 8, Max Quarmby 7.
Heckmondwike 38: Will Naylor 15, Tom Whitwam 13, Bella Naylor 10.

Referee – Bill Phillips