COLCHESTER'S Tom Oliver battled his way to a seventh-place finish at the seventh round of the Dickies British Supersport Championship at Thruxton.

The fast and abrasive Hampshire circuit is a favourite of the SGR Racing rider and as usual, he pulled it out of the bag.

Oliver said: “I love racing at Thruxton as it is such a fast track and the SGR Racing R6 is a fast bike.

"I feel much better after the big crash at Snetterton, I’ve put that behind me now and I simply can’t wait to get to Cadwell Park.

"I need to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped us out this weekend - friends, family, sponsors – we couldn't do it without you.”

Qualifying went well, with Oliver placing his R6 Yamaha into 11th position on the grid.

The frantic sprint race, which took place over 12 manic laps, saw Oliver jump into ninth place off the line.

An epic battle then ensued with Oliver battling between ninth and 12th, only to be pipped on the line and finish 11th.

The outcome of this race set the grid for the main feature race and Oliver lined up in tenth position on the highly- competitive grid.

Oliver dug in and got into a good rhythm during the race swapping places numerous times with fellow competitors, in a highly-competitive race.

The frantic battle found Oliver in seventh place over the line when the red flag came out on lap 16, two laps early.

SGR Racing team owner Stephen Kinghorn said: “What a brilliant weekend. Tom is back to his usual fast self and we are back in the top ten where we belong.

"Thanks to everyone who has helped get us this far, and a big thanks to Mark at Go Developments for all his help this weekend.

"As a small team we need as many sponsors on board as possible, so if anyone can assist with our tyre bill it would really be appreciated.

"I can’t wait to get to Cadwell Park and see what we can achieve.”

The eight round of the Dickies British Supersport Championship is at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire, this weekend.