GRESHAM Oxford Cheetahs speedway ace Paul Hurry survived a high-speed crash to make it through to the Overseas final for the second year running, writes JOHN GAISFORD.

Competing in a very competitive British final at Coventry yesterday, Hurry finished fifth on ten points and produced some magic to ensure his place at Poole next month.

It came in his fourth ride where he crashed heavily at the first bend and was hit by Glenn Cunningham, who also took a nasty fall. In the re-run however, Hurry was superb in coming from third to first after a slow start.

The meeting was won in brilliant style by Mark Loram who was taking title for the second time. He triumphed with 14 points, one ahead of Joe Screen, with last year's champion, Chris Louis, in third after a run-off with Scott Nicholls.

A feature of the meeting was the race between Loram and Louis that went 100mph for four laps before Loram produced a brilliant late burst to take Louis on the line.

Results (top three): 1 Mark Loram (Poole) 14pts, 2 Joe Screen (Hull) 13, 3 Chris Louis (Ipswich) 12.

Story date: Monday 24 May

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