Mar-Train Yamaha's Stuart Easton fought off Alastair Seeley on the last lap to claim an astonishing fourth Motorpoint British Supersport victory in his fourth finish, taking the championship lead as a result.
Gearlink Kawasaki's Alastair Seeley took the holeshot but quickly came under pressure from the wee Scotsman, Easton. The former Superbike rider made his move on the second lap and the leading group then began to pull away. Oxford TAG Triumph's Richard Cooper could only hold onto the leading group in sixth for the first couple of laps before dropping backwards, unable to match the pace. Northumbrian rider Graeme Gowland then did the same, leaving the Smiths of Gloucester Triumph duo of Glen Richards and Billy McConnell along with Easton and Seeley to battle for the lead.
North West 200 star, Seeley, was demoted to second and then third, as Adelaide lad, McConnell, moved past him on the brakes on the run into Hizzy's Chicane. Seeley quickly replied, however, taking second from the Australian and the lead from the Scotsman. The dicing duo at the front then pulled away, setting up an epic battle for the victory on the last few laps.
Gearlink Kawasaki's Seeley, started the last lap in front, but Easton used his drive from the last corner to move under the inside from Seeley at the first corner of Old Hall. The Northern Irishmen looked to retake the lead on several occasions only for Easton to close the door. It came down to the last corner, where Easton held a tight defensive line, but Seeley wasn't admitting defeat, rolling around the outside as the two came shoulder to shoulder. Easton was able to take the drag to the flag by under a tenth of a second, nicking the championship lead off of Seeley by two points too.
Billy McConnell held on to his third podium of the year ahead of his team-mate Glen Richards and Seton Yamaha's Graeme Gowland. Mar-Train's Glenn Irwin snatched sixth place away from Richard Cooper and Samsung Honda's Jason O'Halloran with Scott Smart and Deane Brown rounding out the top ten.
