TOMMY Bridewell moved into fifth-place overall in the 2014 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship as he finished just off the podium in both races at Oulton Park yesterday.

Bridewell was fourth and fifth for the Milwaukee Yamaha team, as teammate Josh Brookes claimed his first win for the team to follow up his second place in the opening race.

In the opening race of the day Brookes got off to a flying start to shadow championship leader Shane Byrne and despite his best efforts was forced to settle for second.

The Australian’s blistering pace during the race broke the existing lap record set in 2006 and put Brookes on pole position for the second race.

Bridewell had a hard-fought race to charge up the order to claim fourth position as he continued to make up ground on his rivals.

Race two was a different story as Brookes led the race from the start and despite a move from Byrne early in the proceedings he instantly attacked back to reclaim the position.

Brookes held the advantage despite the growing pressure to claim his first win for Milwaukee Yamaha as he moved second in the overall standings.

Bridewell had been pushing forward and was battling for fourth position when he got caught in traffic and had to settle for fifth.

Bridewell said: “I felt I rode well and had two good races although we were still a bit away from where we need to be to push for the podiums.

"In race one I hung in there and a fourth place was much better but in race two I was disappointed as I got stuck in traffic.

"I knew I had the gap behind me and that I was stronger than Stuart (Easton) at certain points of the circuit but the backmarkers held me up and it cost me the position.

"I know we still have more to do at Snetterton because we want to be fighting for wins but I rode as hard as I could today to get these results, especially after coming back from the missed time on Saturday.

"I am happy enough but want to be fighting for podiums when it comes to Snetterton.”

Team owner Shaun Muir concluded: “I am delighted with this weekend and Josh’s win today was his just rewards for the hard work he has put in since joining the Milwaukee Yamaha team.

"Tommy this weekend has been brilliant too, he didn’t get the results he was expecting at Brands Hatch but he picked himself up and was back out fighting. He lost some time, but proved that he is ready to push at the front.”

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