Greyhound fans were treated to a class of racing, never before seen at Yarmouth in the winter months, trainers producing their best open class racers for their respective teams.

Supporting the five second round races of the Betdaq Premier League on Saturday night, were the four first round races of the GOBATA Championship League.

On finals night at Doncaster on Friday, February 24, the top two point-scoring teams in the championship will be promoted to the Premier League whose two lowest scoring teams will be relegated to the Championship for the next running of the league.

As well as decent points tallies for the teams in each race, the importance of playing your joker correctly, that doubles the elected runner’s points tally, was highlighted on Saturday. Yarmouth-based, top open race trainer Mark Wallis’ Imperial Rock Its team, partnered by Paul Sallis, held second place, after the first round.

Wallis played his joker in the first leg for puppies. The decision was spot on as Dixies Air, dominated the race from the off, powering home eight lengths clear.

Wallis held the points lead until the final leg, when the Dunham Devils played their joker for Local Dee Jay.

Local Dee Jay got up to lead on the run-in, powering home to win by three lengths, the 12 points gave them a total of 48� points, close third behind Matt Dartnall’s Team Desperate.

Leaders after the first round, Team Desperate were very unlucky as their joker, Ballymac Pet easily led the stayers’ race, when the hare had to be stopped on the last bend, in the interests of safety.

Every runner was awarded 3� points.

Team Desperate still ended up second with 51� points, behind Imperial Rock Its 52�.

Currently in last place and in danger of relegation, are the Irish Rovers with only 28� points.

The league moves on to Doncaster for the third round on Friday, February 10.

It will be shown live on Premier Sport.