BIRMINGHAM opened their Premier League campaign with a narrow 47-43 defeat at Rye House in front of the Sky cameras on Monday night.

The BRC Roofing Brummies fought bravely to stay in the meeting and by losing by less than six points they claimed a consolation league point.

Skipper Jason Lyons was impressive with 11+1 for the Perry Barr side and Swede Linus Sundstrom was the top Rocket with 12.

Birmingham could have drawn the meeting when Luke Bowen retired with bike problems in the penultimate race.

Lyons won the decider but with the BRC Roofing Brummies needing a maximum Steve Johnston finished last.

Birmingham boss Graham Drury said: "I'm very pleased to take a point from this meeting which I believe was a real credit to Premier League racing.

"There are not many teams that will come here and get anything from Rye House, it's such a difficult place to come and get a result."

RYE HOUSE: Linus Sundstrom 12, Stefan Ekberg 10+2, Kyle Hughes 10+2, jordan Frampton 6+1, Chris Neath 5+1, Luke Bowen 3, Kurt Shields 1.

BIRMINGHAM: Jason Lyons 11+1, Steve Johnston 9, Justin Sedgmen 8, Chris Kerr 6+1, Richard Sweetman 5+2, Aaron Summers 4+1, Jake Anderson 0.