The reigning South Eastern Trials champion Ashley Newbery secured his sixth win of the season at Cowden, East Sussex. The Beta ace emerged on top after a tooth-and-nail scrap with Gas Gas ace Richard Ely - the man most likely to take Newbery's title next year. At the start to lap 3, the pair were separated by just two marks, with Ely leading. A twist of fate at section 7 was to end Ely's lead when he disastrously fived the section. Ely did manage to ensure he carries a 3-point advantage over Gas Gas rider Rowan Puttock going into the final two rounds of the Championship. Gavin Cooper mysterley retired when in the thick of the action, it was reported that he was having some bike problems. This left the chasing Freestyle Sherco riders Stephen Foord and Adam Farley to scrap it out for the final podium position. Foord triumphed, but Farley is no walk over and obliterated Foord on the third lap. Fifth place went to Rowan Puttock now relegated to third in the championship with Kevin Morphett rounding off the top six.

Youth Expert win went to G Marshall with Ben Wibberley collecting the runners up award. Jamie Burroughs picked up the final podium position just four marks off Wibberley and had he not had that silly five at section 9, second place was definitely on the cards.

The Intermediate win went to John Sands with a brilliant ride on his Twin Shock Bultaco 325. L Wiggins was only one mark behind, with S Mote a further one mark in arrears to Wiggins. Youth Intermediate win went to R Wiggins the clear winner, with B Ely posting the second best Youth Intermediate ride.

F Puttock won the Novice class with D Brush second, D Harris third. Youth Novice winner with his cracking ride B Hearne, followed by T Douglas and J Webster - well done lads.

A Wilson took the twin shock class win on board his Yamaha TY175, with C Leggett just three marks off Wilson's win. B Matton rounded off the final podium position.

Report by: Cliff Barnett