THE Sittingbourne AC Associates Crusaders enjoyed a decent afternoon in the sunshine of Wimbledon Stadium in the Conference Speedway Best Pairs championship 2005 on Sunday.

Making their debut in this annual event the Kentish side fielded a pairing of skipper Andre Cross and new signing Gary Phelps.

On what was a long, hot and often dusty afternoon for the 12 pairings, the Crusaders were out in action in heat one taking on, the Newport Mavericks, the only non-English side in action.

Cross gated well and young Newport rider Billy Legg over-slid on the first bend ending up in a heap.

Unfortunately for the 16-year-old, he was excluded for his tumble, which meant Sittingbourne started their qualifying campaign with a heat victory as the unique points scoring system of four for a win but a total of five points for riders finishing second and third meant that Pairs’ performances held sway over individuals.

And this worked to the Crusaders' advantage in the re-run because, although Karl Mason took the chequered flag for the South Wales outfit, Cross and Phelps won the heat 5-4 due to finishing second and third.

The home side and holders Wimbledon then put the Mavericks to the sword with a maximum 7-2 victory, which meant either Cross or Phelps would need to win the heat between the two sides.

But up against the fast gating Mark Burrows and the Australian Scott James this proved too much to ask.

Cross began the race well, but a fall on the third lap ended his challenge.

Phelps picked up two points to ensure Sittingbourne finished runners-up in their group, but only the winners made it through to the final.

Wimbledon went onto retain the title by beating Oxford - managed by Kent-based official Bryn Williams, in a run-off after they tied the final round on 16 points each.