RESURGENT Chris Holder moved into third at the halfway point of the Australian Solo Speedway Championship after an A final appearance at Mildura.

But the Poole star’s chances of retaining his national title took a hit as former Wimborne Road charger Jason Doyle extended his lead at the top of the standings.

Newly-recruited Pirates asset Dakota North endured a disappointing meeting despite a promising start, the ex-Swindon man totalling eight points.

North had won the opening heat but fell away after that with three third places and a second not good enough for a spot in the B final.

Using equipment borrowed from former Poole rider Leigh Adams, defending champion Holder was much-improved from the opening round at Gillman on Saturday.

As temperatures hit 36 degrees, Holder clocked up two wins and three second places to secure his safe path to the A final.

Doyle was too quick in the closing showdown and Holder had to settle for second, with Justin Sedgmen third and Tyson Nelson fourth.

The next round takes place at Undera, Victoria on Wednesday and Holder will be keen to close a 12-point gap on countryman Doyle, who is on course for his first national title.

Mildura scores: 1 Doyle 13, 2 Sedgmen 12, 3 C Holder 12, 4 Grajczonek 10, 5 Nelson 10, 6 Masters 10, 7 Fricke 10, 8 J Holder 9, 9 North 8, 10 Tungate 6, 11 Allen 5, 12 Waters 5, 13 Ringwood 3, 14 Sproule 2, 15 Coyne 2, 16 Fallon 1, 17 Stewart 1, 18 Webb 0.

Overall standings: 1 Doyle 35, 2 Sedgmen 28, 3 C Holder 23, 4= Tungate 22, 4= North 22, 6 Grajczonek 21, 7 Fricke 20, 8 Nelson 19, 9 Masters 18, 10 J Holder 15, 11 Allen 11, 12 Waters 8, 13= Sproule 5, 13= Ringwood 5, 15= Fallon 3, 15= Coyne 3, 17 Stewart 1.