The late addition of young dynamo Lenny Griffiths ensured that the heat would be on for Kevin Laffy, Bryce Denham, Josh Thomson and Francis Lias for the next 30 mins.
For the first half of the race the group rode fast but steady with no signs of weakness.
By midway, Lenny started taking long, strong turns on the front and the strain was evident in some faces back in the bunch.
With a strong burst, it was only Kevin who reacted before the group reformed.
As they approached five minutes to go, the race came alive as Lenny made his move and this time he kicked clear, riding strongly for the win with Josh Thomson sprinting for second and Bryce in third.
B-grade
We welcomed back club stalwart John Brian to racing as he recovers from a crash.
Alongside Cameron Smith, Claire Goodman, Matt Dobeli, Will Kettle, Darren McKemmish and Mel Smolenaars they formed a strong group.
As is his way, Will Kettle boiled straight away and strung the field out with an early break.
As has also become his way, Matt found himself going from front to off the back early in the race with Mel for company.
Despite their best efforts, they couldn't attach to the Cam train to return. Mel continued to ride strongly as Matt faded.
Up front, Will, Claire, Dazz and John tried hard to keep Cam off the back but to no avail.
Strong turns kept the pace high as they pushed on with all riders looking strong.
With another surge in pace, it was Dazz who found himself under pressure, with Claire also losing contact late.
Into the last lap, it was John, Cam and Will who would fight it out. As they hit the line it was John who took the chocolates from Cam in second and Will in third.
C-grade
TDU selfie-king Ray returned to racing at EMCC after his recent Adelaide holiday, with Heather going head-to-head over 25 minutes.
Ignoring the heckling from members of the crowd, Ray and Heather rode their own race and seemed intent on taking it to the end together.
Often as they passed the start-finish line into the wind, it looked as though a gap could open, but they stayed together.
Into the final lap it was anyone's race and as they hit the line it looked a near dead heat, with judges giving it to Ray, in true paparazzi style, ‘in a photo finish’.
Thanks to our timekeepers, see you next week.
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