COLCHESTER Rovers trio Paul Goldsmith, Scott Davey and Jamie Hazleton battled it out in the latest edition of CC Sudbury's long-established Autumn Leaves hillclimb event.

They raced up Watson's Hill in the village of Semer at the event, which incorporated the East District Cycle Association Championship.

Amongst the large field, Goldsmith, Davey and Hazleton sported the club's new kit and it cut a fine dash, as the riders sprinted up hill through the large and noisy crowds.

All three Rovers had early draws, with all of them off within the first 15 starters.

First away was Davey who ascended the short, steep course in a very creditable one minute 2.1 seconds.

Goldsmith clocked a 59.1-second time while Hazleton struck up a blistering time of 48.5s.

This was enough to keep him in the lead while the next 18 riders set off.

Rider 31, the aptly-named Thomas Power of Team Pedal Revolution UK, went 1.8 seconds faster than Hazleton and the Rovers fast man ended up in fifth place overall.

Setting off 70th of the 71 riders was Rovers second claim member Dexter Mansel-Thomas, racing in the colours of Lee Valley Youth CC.

The 15-year old took part in the Juvenile category but set a time fast enough to place him very highly in the Senior race. His 51.3 seconds put him in 12th place overall and also bagged the Juveniles victory by a three-second margin.

The Rovers spectators cheerfully and loudly encouraged all the riders and it made for a fantastic day out.