THE Royston Rockets took to the challenge of the internationally recognised Peterborough track with ease on Sunday as more than 600 riders faced the course s wide sweeping corners and long straights in the British Championships. The club s youngest rider

THE Royston Rockets took to the challenge of the internationally recognised Peterborough track with ease on Sunday as more than 600 riders faced the course's wide sweeping corners and long straights in the British Championships.

The club's youngest rider, Kele Newall started well and made it through to the semi final of the six and under class, while Alfie Salmon finished fifth in the quarter final. Louis Foreman missed out on a quarter final spot by just one point.

In the seven year class, Royston had five riders competing, and although Marmaduke Birt, Ted Dalleywater, and Archie Yorke were all unable to progress, James King made amends with a semi final appearance, while Josh Peters made it all the way to the final where he took a hard-earned second place.

Royston's representatives in the eight year class saw Oliver Snelling end his aspirations at the qualifying stage, although Daniel Blanche and Ethan Vernon made the final where they finished fourth and second respectively.

The nine-year class saw Bradan Blanche go out in the qualifying, while Aaron Dalleywater took sixth spot in the final to add more points to the club's challenge. In the 10 year class both Matthew Harris and Zak Foreman failed to progress from the qualifiers.

The 12 year class saw James Handleigh finish take third spot in the final, while in the 13 year class Aston Blanche just missed out on the final with a fifth place semi final finish.

In the 16s category Wayne Gutteridge had a disappointing time and failed to qualify, while in the Masters class (30plus) Darren Foreman went out before the quarter finals, with Lee Alexander's run of bad luck continuing when he was caught up in a track mix-up when well placed in the quarter final.

In the Cruiser 30-39 year class, Danny Ancell just failed to qualify in a run off for a place in the quarter finals. However, there was success in the Junior Female (17+) where Katie Roberts impressed once more, as did Laurence Mapp in an action packed Elite Final.

After all the points were added up Royston came out in sixth place of the 45 clubs involved- the highest position in the championships that the club has achieved.

The Rockets will be back in action on September 13 and 14 at Mid Lancs BMX Club.

For more club details visit the website:

www.roystonrockets.co.uk