David Howe takes Alan Hunt Memorial Trophy

Wolverhampton's Great Britain speedway international David Howe admitted he was 'pleasantly surprised' by his win in last night's Alan Hunt Memorial Trophy meeting at Birmingham.Howe has only just got over a serious foot injury sustained three-weeks ago at the Telford ice meeting when he needed surgery to repair a severely lacerated foot.He romped to a 15-point maximum at Perry Barr, including a spectacular inside pass on home favourite Kyle Legault (pictured above) to claim a win on the line.Howe finished three points clear of his nearest rivals, although he had to win a tough Heat 20 to clinch the title as both Steve Johnston and Brummies skipper Jason Lyons could have pipped him had they forced him back into the minor places.However, Howe surged clear and left Johnston to contest a run-off with Daniel King after both riders finished on twelve points. King it was who took that race with one of the best moves of the night, a thrilling swoop around the boards on the fourth bend to come past the experienced Australian.Said Howe: "It's a great way for me to start the season. I came here looking to get through five races in a competitive fashion and yet, here I am, the winner. It's a pleasant surprise and I'm looking forward to the Coventry meeting at Wolves tonight now." RESULT: David Howe 15, Daniel King 12, Steve Johnston 12, Jason Lyons 11, Ulrich Ostergaard 11, Kauko Nieminen 10, Kyle Legault 10, Phil Morris 8, Brent Werner 7, Adam Roynon 6, Lubos Tomicek 6, Ricky Ashworth 5, James Birkinshaw 3, Lee Smart 2, Shawn McConnell 1, Jack Hargeaves 1, Jack Roberts (res) 0. BIRMINGHAM start their team season this Friday, March 21, with home and away meetings against King's Lynn in a repeat of last year's Premier Trophy Final.The first leg is in Norfolk at midday with the return at Perry Barr at 7.45pm.