Cycling: Table-topping Croall pipped by Martin at Meadowbank

THERE was no change at the top of the DHL Meadowbank National Track League with the points shared around in some highly-competitive racing last night.

David Martin (Bicycleworks) made a winning return to action when he ousted league leader Bruce Croall (City of Edinburgh) in the opening event of the night, the 15-lap scratch.

And Martin almost topped and tailed his evening with victories, just losing out to Derek Smith (City of Edinburgh) in the 35-lap climax to the programme.

Smith boosted his points haul when he finished runner up to colleague Graeme Steen in the Devil Take the Hindmost. Meanwhile, Scott McDiarmid (Sandy Wallace Cycles) took the honours in a cavalry charge finale to the handicap sprint in which the whole field crossed the line within a couple of bike lengths.

The youths racing produced an impressive treble for Sean Noon (Edinburgh RC) and there were three fascinating tussles between youngsters Angus Gillies (Peebles) and Tom Arnstein (Carnegie Cyclones), with the Borderer posting two wins and his rival taking one.

And Daisy Sherwood (City of Edinburgh) extended her lead in the women's league when she got the better of Louise Haston in the four-lap scratch event.