Cycling: Croall limbers up for Masters with 15-lap scratch win at Meadowbank

BRUCE CROALL (City of Edinburgh) rounded off his preparations for this weekend's British Masters cycling championships when he won the opening event, the 15-lap scratch, in last night's round of the DHL Meadowbank National Track League.

However, the defending champion's lead at the top of the table was trimmed by David Martin (Bicycleworks.com), who finished runner-up to his rival in that race then ended the night with a last ditch win over Nicky Hall ( City of Edinburgh) in a fast-paced 35-lap contest.

Another rider who will make the trip to Newport in Wales for the Masters this weekend is Derek Smith (City of Edinburgh) and he completed his build-up with a victory in the Devil Take the Hindmost.

At the other end of the age spectrum, Sean Noon (Edinburgh RC) moved up to second place in the youth table and narrowed the deficit on leader Angus Gillies (Peebles CC) with a stylish double in the block handicap and sprint events.

Meanwhile, Callum Watson celebrated his first outing in the colours of City of Edinburgh with a win in the 12-lap scratch that has taken him into pole position in the junior competition.