SATURDAY’S warmth led to a crop of quick times in the South District Council Championship 25 held on the Thruxton course.

Fastest of a rapid New Forest CC trio was Martin Beale, fresh from a family holiday, with a sparkling 56.49.

Veteran Terry Jefferies was less than a minute in arrears of his clubmate with 57.38.

But the best ride came from Aaron Carter who, until now, has been slow to find his form this year. He was just seven seconds slower than Jefferies with a new personal best – by 1min 36sec – of 57.45.

Visiting riders took the top six places in New Forest CC’s evening 15 held in beautiful weather conditions on the Balmer Lawn-Beaulieu-Lyndhurst circuit. Best from the home club and taking three points in the season-long championship competition was Kirk Wilson with a solid 36.58.

Nick Williams took two points with 37.14 and Phil Gates claimed one with 37.20.

Robin Coomber (Chippenham & District Whrs) was fastest with 33.57. Second place went to Tri UK’s Kevin King with 34.14 while Tim Wildschut was third with 34.53.

Others (NFCC unless stated): Ian Patterson (Utag-Yamaha) 35.25, Nick Buis (Primera) 36.25, Tony Green (GA Cycles) 36.11, James Bannister 37.51, Gary Plumb 38.16 (second handicap award), Stephen Roberts 38.28, Jamie Pope 38.49 (third handicap), Henry Blackbourn 39.11 (first handicap), Peter Norris 39.52, Josh Green (GA Cycles) 40.33, Chris Hughes 40.35, Phil Underwood 42.22, Keith Bradfield 42.40, Nigel Colmer (Utag-Yamaha) 43.30, Luke Holder 44.07, Jim Pascoe 44.21, Keith Mitchell 47.41.