Horspath Hammers suffered their first defeat for more than three months when they went down 92-86 at Southampton in South West Division 1.

Despite being without one of their top riders, Hammers were given a good showing from their youngsters, but fell just short.

They do, however, still top the regional table.

Steve Harris top-scored after dropping just a point, with Mark Carmichael also on song.

Horspath scorers: M Coulter 6+1 pts, S Harris 19, W Clarke 10, W Hutt 13+1, D Carmichael 11+1, L Clarke 9, M Carmichael 17+1, J Smith 2.

Matt Coulter recorded a 20-point maximum as Horspath toook the Conference League match 85-65.

Jack Smith was also unbeaten, with Rachel Edge giving good support.

Horspath scorers: R Edge 17, L Horsley 9+1, M Coulter 20, G Horsley 9+1, J Smith 19+1, J Carter 11+2.

A day earlier, Horspath finished third in the fourth round of the British Youth & Junior League National Finals at Sheffield.

Edge clinched the overall Under 18 Girls Grand Prix Championship – her third place in the A final enough for the title.

On Saturday, 21 of Horspath’s under 18 riders have qualified for the South West Junior Grand Prix finals at South-ampton.

On Sunday, Hammers entertain Birmingham Monarchs in their final home British Premier League fixture (2pm).

This is a must-win meeting for Horspath, who lead the table by one point with two matches to go.

Rafal Dulinski, Premek Binkowski, Mike Morgans, Mateusz Szymczak and Mark Boaler all return to the Hammers’ line-up.