Hellingly Lions booked their place in the quarter-finals of the British Team Championship with a 90-82 win over Stoke.

The South West League leaders caused a major upset by beating the title favourites and Premier League outfit at their Lower Dicker track.

The last time the sides met four years ago Lions were thrashed 107-76, but this time the Sussex team, who have lost only once this season, deserved their victory in a meaty encounter.

The Potters took the lead after bagging maximum points, but Lions responded with a 7-3 of their own from Barrie Geer and Martyn Hollebon.

Jamie Cheshire and David Boniface, who had his best meeting, put Hellingly in front, and at the interval the home side led by eight points.

Stoke grabbed a 7-2 when Cheshire, with a buckled wheel, was lapped, but Lions held their nerve until Cheshire team rode Joe Plumstead to a 7-3 to clinch the match in the next to last race.

It was only Plumstead's second race win since his comeback at the beginning of the year.

Skipper Martyn Hollebon was Hellingly's top scorer, but Cheshire, who came from third to first in one race to prevent Stoke scoring maximum points, was the man of the match.

Lions: Martyn Hollebon 18, Jamie Cheshire 15, Eddie Ridley 14, Barrie Geer 12, Joe Plumstead 12, David Boniface 7, Neil Hollebon 7, Andrew Long 5.