FORMER runner-up Michael Brown went one step better to claim victory in the Lakes Two-Day Trial.

After finished second in 2014, Brown knocked defending champion Iwan Roberts into second place with a display of bike control and stability in the South Lakes.

Now established as one of the UK's top trials events, most of the country's best riders converged on Broughton-in-Furness for the two-day test.

The popular annual event, organised by the Lakes MTA, attracted more than 180 competitors, including current world ladies trials champion Emma Bristow.

Many riders use the Lakes event as a testing ground in readiness for the forthcoming Scott Trial in Yorkshire this weekend.

A full contingent left Broughton Auction Mart on day one in drizzly conditions to tackle the sections laid out on and around Corney Fell.

Although a little slippery at first, most riders coped well and the weather did clear up during the afternoon.

At the end of the day, Welshman Roberts on his Beta led the field with a loss of just one mark, with Brown in third, just two marks behind.

The second day again started in wet conditions, which suited Yorkshireman Brown on his300cc Gas Gas. He lost only one mark over the 40 sections laid out around Torver and Ulpha to snatch the win from Roberts by a mere two marks.

Bristow, who finished in 28th slot last year, improved on her performance, bringing her 300cc Sherco home in 10th.

Most of the Furness contingent finished inside the top 30 of the 156 riders who completed the courses.

Bootle's Joel Gowan, on his 300cc Beta, came home 21st; James Postlethwaite (Birkett Scorpa), from Broughton, 24th; James Johnston (Beta 300), from Coniston, 25th; Nigel Birkett (300cc Birkett Scorpa), from Broughton, 27th; and Millom's Owen Gilchrist not too far astern in 32nd on his 300cc Sherco.

On the Clubman's course, Darren Wasley, riding a Gas Gas, took the win with a loss of just 31 marks, ahead of Harold Crawford, on another Gas Gas, also on 31.

Wasley triumphed having ridden more sections clean.

Kendal's Robert Shuttlworth was not too far behind on his Beta, with a loss of 37 marks giving him fourth in the class.

RESULTS

1. Michael Brown (300 Gas Gas), 12 marks lost; 2. Iwan Roberts (300 Beta), 14 marks lost; 3. Richard Sadler (300 Beta), 28 marks lost.

Clubman's Course: 1. Darren Wasley (300 Gas Gas), 31 marks lost; 2. Harold Crawford (300 Gas Gas), 31 marks lost; 3. Phil Houghton (300 Gas Gas), 33 marks lost.