CHERRIES geared themselves up for their race for Division Two points with an afternoon at The Indoor Karting Centre at Hurn yesterday.

Each member of Sean O'Driscoll's squad contested five heats with the top six racers earning a place in the Cherries team for a Celebrity Challenge against Saints and the Poole Pirates in February.

And following an incident-packed deciding heat, goalkeeper Michael Menetrier earned first place on the podium ahead of Wade Elliott, Danny Smith, Jamie Day, Ben Thomson and Eddie Howe.

Boss O'Driscoll said: "It was very competitive and a good team-building exercise. Things like this help to maintain team spirit which is important, especially during difficult periods."

Midfielder Elliott, who only passed his driving test in the summer, beat Menetrier in a race-off with Smith coming home third.