MAP Raceways Yamaha lead rider Billy McConnell has said he thought his controversial move on fellow British Supersport title contender at Silverstone yesterday was definitely on.

The stewards, however, didn't and although the Aussie crossed the line second, he was demoted to third behind the HM Plant Honda man by BSB officials minutes later.

McConnell had been dicing with Plater for a number of laps as the Lincolnshire man carved his way up the field. Plater passed McConnell on the penultimate lap and a lap later, McConnell's pass into Luffield barged Plater onto the grass.

“It was a tough race, I thought I did what needed to be done with Steve [Plater] regarding the championship. I thought I was lined up on the outside to push up on the inside but he closed the door," said McConnell.

“I tried to brake as hard as I could and I even went as close as I could to the kerb, even hooked my knee into the dirt, but I ended up nudging him and he ran wide. I thought it was a possible pass and I took it. The rest of the race was OK apart from my start but I then got into a rhythm.”