LEICESTER reserve Josh Bates admitted he was slightly disappointed after finishing third in the British Under-21 Final.
The defending Champion scored 10 points from his five programmed outings before winning the Semi-Final.
However, after being outgated by winner Robert Lambert and runner-up Adam Ellis in the Grand Final, Bates was left to fend off Nathan Greaves for a third place finish.
Said Bates: "I am disappointed because I came here wanting to hold onto my title.
"But Robert fully deserved to win; he was by far the best rider on the night and fair play to him.
"I was struggling tonight but a big thanks to my mechanics who found a set-up which helped me get to the final.
"I suppose I am grateful to still get another trophy and I have already won it twice so I can't be too greedy I suppose!"
The Lions are in SGB Premiership action when they travel to Rye House on Monday (May 1, 2pm) and supporters are reminded a challenge fixture against Cradley has been arranged for Saturday, May 6 at Beaumont Park in the Ivor Brown Trophy.
BRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL, Poole
SCORERS (After 20 qualifying races): Robert Lambert 15, Adam Ellis 14, Ellis Perks 12, Dan Bewley 10, Josh Bates 10, Nathan Greaves 9, Liam Carr 9, Zach Wajtknecht 7, James Shanes 7, Connor Mountain 6, Max Clegg 6, Jack Smith 5, Danny Phillips 4, Luke Harris 3, Josh Bailey 1, Alfie Bowtell (reserve) 1, Danno Verge (reserve) 1, Danyon Hume 0.
SEMI-FINAL: Bates (Awarded), Greaves (Awarded), Bewley (f.exc), Perks (f.exc).
GRAND FINAL: LAMBERT, Ellis, Bates, Greaves.
