Horspath Hammers fought back as they beat defending South West Division 1 champions Poole Comets 92-84 in a thrilling exciting encounter at The Village.

Hammers got off to a bad start, going 7-3 down in the opening heat before a 7-3 success from Steve Harris and Mark Carmichael redressed the balance.

Then a 6-3 success from Wayne Hutt and Wayne Clarke in the next saw Horspath take the lead for the first time.

Although a 7-3 win from Mark Carmichael and his brother Dave put Horspath seven points ahead, a 7-2 and 5-4 reverse cut their lead to a point as they went into the interval 44-43 up.

Hammers stretched their advantage to four and although Poole hit back, two 7-3s and a 6-4 in three successive heats virtually seal it.

Mark Carmichael and Steve Harris were unbeaten.

Horspath scorers: J Wyatt 11, D Carmichael 9+1, S Harris+1, M Coulter 3, W Hutt 15, W Clarke 6, M Boaler 14+1, M Carmichael 18+2.

Harris was fifth in the prestigious Age Gale memorial at Poole, but Mark Boaler had to retire after three rides following a heavy fall. Carmichael was third in the Junior event.

  • HAMMERS’ lost 79-71 against Poole counterparts in the Conference League.

Horspath scorers: L Clarke 14, J Richardson 8+3, R Edge 11+2, B Carter 10, J Smith 15, C Russell-Sharp 7+1, G Horsley 2, J Carter 4.

  • HORSPATH Hammers finished fourth in the final of the British Under 13 Championships at Poole.

Final scores: 1 Ipswich 52, 2 Wednesfield 42, 3 Kesgrave 35, 4 Horspath 29.

Horspath scorers: J Richardson 10, B Carter 8, C Russell Sharp 6, M Cooper 3, G Horsley 2.

They reached the final after eliminating Exeter, in the semis, with a fine ride from Ben Carter.

Final scores: 1= Kesgrave 46, 2 Horspath 46, 3 Exeter 45, 4 Sheffield 33, 5 East Newport 24.

Horspath scorers: B Carter 13, J Richardson 12, C Russell-Sharp 12, M Cooper 5 G Horsley 4.