BOTH Herefordshire-based Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship competitors had difficult weekends at the latest round held at Snetterton in Norfolk.

Making his series return on the Highsparks Ducati, Luke Jones (after missing the previous round due to injury) had a disappointing end to his weekend, writes Tim Davies

After two brilliant top-five performances in rounds seven and 10 Jones looked to be back on form and heading to another good result in Norfolk after qualifying eighth, less than 0.5 off a second off a top three placing.

Despite a good start which saw him lapping with the top-10 riders Jones' race was to end in disappointment, as he retired with four laps to go.

Meanwhile Luke Hedger on the CPD Kawasaki also had a difficult weekend, qualifying in 12th with a time of one minute and 51 seconds, and clocking a speed of 95.54 miles per hour.

Hedger, chasing a top 10 position overall in the championship, started well recording his fastest time on lap three of 1:51.575.

However, he couldn't quite close the gap on the battle for a top-10 race position and had to settle for 12th on the day 23 seconds behind winner Richard Cooper (Suzuki - Buildbase Suzuki)

The 12th placing gave Hedger four valuable championship points to keep him in ninth place overall with six rounds remaining.

“It was a tough weekend," said Hedger.

"The team and I were working hard all weekend and I just couldn’t quite get the set-up we needed, but I can’t thank my team enough for all their hard work and I am really looking forward to Thruxton.

"The bike should really work well around Thruxton, so I can’t wait to get back at the sharp end.”

Jones sits in 16th overall despite only scoring in two rounds this season.

The next round of the championship is at the Thruxton circuit in Hampshire over the weekend of August 2 to 4.