RICHARD Thomas from Helston and Kevin Woodley from Redruth went to Northiam, Sussex, to take part in the 2005 ACU/Speedway Star British Masters Championship 1000cc Sidecar Grasstrack Outfit at the weekend.

They managed to achieve their best result to date in the championship, a very respectable fifth place. They achieved this by a third place in their first heat, a second in their second heat and a third in their third heat, and a win in their fourth. This gave them 20 points to equal eighth place in the semi-final. In their semi they managed a close second giving them 25 points to make them the sixth finalist with the Masters all points count, including the final.

Thomas and Woodley gated well and kept with the pack chopping and changing with positions going from fifth to fourth and then eventually finishing third. Normally this would have meant a rostrum place, but due to the points system this meant that overall they finished fifth.

Results: 1, Rob Wilson/Ian Whale, 38 points; 2, John Halsey/Jason Glenie, 34; 3, Paul Whitelam/Terry Saunters, 33; 4, Gary Jackson/Carl Blyth, 30; 5, Richard Thomas/Kevin Woodley, 29; 6, Duncan Tolhurst/Rob Patterson, 26.

Final: 1, Halsey/Glenie; 2, Wilson/Whale; 3, Thomas/ Woodley; 4, Whitelam/Saunters; 5, Jackson/ Blyth.

Other Cornish crews who did well were Wayne Westaway/Mark Courtney from St Austell, who finished with 17 points and in 11th place. Matt Tyrell/Shaun Yates (St Austell) had 21 points and in ninth place.

Wayne Barrett 500cc solo rider from St Austell 21 points and in 11th place.