Ashley Morris comes close to British under-21 title

Morris suffered a catalogue of problems but still managed to force his way through to the last-race decider.

But that was only to finish fourth in a meeting won by new Coventry Storm signing Robert Branford, writes Rich Jones.

Having picked himself up from two falls and scored 13 points in the qualifiers, his fortunes appeared to be changing as he shot out to lead the semi-final.

But when former Dudley team-mate Tom Perry fell at the back and the race had to be restarted, Morris missed the gate.

Hehad to work extremely hard to force James Sarjeant into an error and book his final spot behind Branford.

Sadly for the sizeable home following who came out to back the Penkridge youngster, the final proved one step too far.

Morris came within a whisker of third place in the final, but Jason Garrity finally forced his way past on the final lap.

However, there was consolation for Morris afterwards. The top three go on to the world under-21 qualifying rounds,.

But Garrity is declining the opportunity for financial reasons, so fourth-placed Morris steps in.

Garrity had dominated the meeting alongside favourite Kyle Howarth, a victory for the former when they met in heat 17 the only point dropped by either rider.

But it was Branford who made a terrific start from gate two in the final before holding off the hard-charging Howarth to take the chequered flag.

Heathens man Dan Greenwood scored a solid six and former Dudley rider Darryl Ritchings a hard-fought eight. Heathens' Max Clegg, who only turned 16 earlier this month, took a credible three points.

He said: "Most of these guys have three years on me, so I was pretty happy with how it went."

Final: 1 Robert Branford, 2 Kyle Howarth, 3 Jason Garrity, 4 Ashley Morris.

Qualifying Scores: Jason Garrity 15, Kyle Howarth 14, Ashley Morris 13, Robert Branford 12, Tom Perry 11, James Sarjeant 9, Darryl Ritchings 8, Danny Stoneman 7, Joe Jacobs 7, Dan Greenwood 6, Ben Morley 4, Stefan Nielsen 4, Shane Hazelden 3, Max Clegg 3, Josh Bates 3, Matt Williamson 1.

By Richard Jones