WOMBLETON’S Shane Monkman was pipped for first place when Scarborough District Motor Club held their Yuletide Trial at Low North Park on Sunday.

There were sections flagged hard, easy and very easy, and a large entry of 97 riders turned out for the day’s sport, with Pocklington’s Ollie Kendra, Monkman, and Nikita Smith, from Fryup, grabbing the first three places on the hard route.

After his initial loss of five marks on the tricky roots of the first section, Kendra kicked into gear, shedding just one more mark at Rivers Meet.

Monkman and Smith each lost five here, but Smith – who will challenge for British and World Championship honours this coming season -– settled well after suffering bike trouble at the start to put pressure on Monkman, finishing just one point off the runner-up berth.

Meanwhile, Kirkbymoorside’s Dan Peace starred at Guisborough DMC’s Boxing Day Fancy Dress Trial, which involved 90 riders competing over a frosty three-lap, 10-section course around the shale tips at Charltons, near Guisborough.

The 15-year-old JST Gas Gas rider kept his string of recent good results going thanks to a stunning ride, mastering the treacherous conditions way better than anyone else.

He finished on 10 marks lost to win youth ‘A’ class and post the best score of the day. His unpenalised rides over the huge, icy rocks of section 10 was simply outstanding.

Yarm’s Tom Affleck won the expert class.