ROYSTON BMX Club staged the East Anglia Spring Classic – with a number of the club s talented youngsters continuing to impress. The original hosting of the event was postponed in April because of snow, but there was nothing cold about the action at the B

ROYSTON BMX Club staged the East Anglia Spring Classic - with a number of the club's talented youngsters continuing to impress.

The original hosting of the event was postponed in April because of snow, but there was nothing cold about the action at the Burns Road track on Sunday, with Kelly Newall opening the proceedings with a second place finish in the under-six event.

Tommy Petchell also lined up in the under-six event, and rode to a valuable fifth place.

In the under-seven class Ted Dalleywater claimed another second place finish for The Rockets ahead of James King in third. Archie York finished fourth, while Marmaduke Birt came in sixth.

Ethan Vernon won the under-eight event, with Daniel Blanche second, just ahead of Oliver Snelling.

In the under-nine class Aaron Dalleywater snatched another win for Royston with Bradan Blanche in fifth, while in the under-10 race Matthew Harris was fifth.

George Bracewell finished fourth in the under-11 event, while James Handleigh won the under-12 class, with Louis Burton third.

In the under-13 event Aston Blanche secured another runners-up spot for Royston, ahead of Harry Bracewell in third.

Ellie Mae Bracewell roared to first place in the girls' seven-nine-year class in her first regional race, while in the under-14 event Ben Gutteridge was third with Aiden McCall sixth.

Jak Bracewell claimed third spot in the under-15 race, while Wayne Gutteridge won the under-16 class, pipping Katie Roberts.

After a long absence, Danny Bateman finished sixth in the 17+ event, while Danny Ancell was third in the Cruiser 30-39 year class in his first race in 20 years.

Tony Petchell claimed victory in the 40+ class, ahead of teammates Phil Burton in second place and Paul Bateman, third.

Club secretary Phil Townsend said: "It was another successful event for the club.

"It's always nice to host them and it was good to finally get the event up and running following the cancellation in April.

"Our riders did very well, and we had a lot of top three finishes, as well as some first places.

"We had a few of our senior riders out through injury, but it was good experience for our youngsters.

"There were a lot of notable performances, including Wayne Gutteridge in the under-16s, and James Handleigh in the under-12s - although as British champion he's always expected to do well!

"It's been a good season so far, and I think we're about fourth or fifth in the national rankings.

"We've got some big events coming up and hopefully we can continue to do well."

The Rockets travel to Chesterfield this weekend for the third round of the National Summer Series.