Hethersett Hawks/Myhill Decorators travelled to Oxford for a return inter-league challenge match with Horspath, who visited Hethersett pre-season.

Injuries and unavailability meant only five members could travel and the Hawks drafted in a guest rider to fulfil the fixture.

It was a close affair, with Dan Chambers outstanding and a returning Lee Smith pairing up well with Owen Wells. Liam Webster again proved what a good signing he is with two wins but he was unable to prevent a key 7-3 win for Horspath in heat 15 which gave them a unassailable lead, leaving the Hawks to take a consolation 7-3 win in the last race. Horspath 81 Hethersett 79: D Chambers 18, O Wells 17, L Webster 16, L Smith 15, W Hutt (guest) 8, K Adams 5

The Hawks resume South-East and Eastern League action on Sunday at Great Blakenham while the Owen Wells travels to Exeter in the British Youth and Junior League on Saturday.