Ipswich ‘Tru7.com’ Witches rider Rory Schlein finished third in Monday’s British Championship Final at Belle Vue as 2016 winner Danny King exited at the semi-final stage, with Craig Cook crowned the new champion.

Both Witches men qualified for the semi-final on 10 points but it was Schlein who made it through to the final after picking up second as King’s night ended after finishing at the back.

Cook passed Steve Worrall to take the title as Schlein secured a podium spot by holding off Ben Barker in the final.

Schlein was delighted with his night’s work.

“We were coming here just to do as well as we could and third place is pretty good,” said Schlein.

“You just have to look at Cookie (Craig Cook) and he seems pretty quick around here so well done to him and to Stevie (Worrall). They are both good track specialists around here but it’s always nice to be on the box!”

Schlein started the night with a last place but reeled off three straight wins after that before a third sealed a spot in the semi-final.

“We changed bikes after the first ride as it didn’t quite feel right and we made some slight changes and it came good for us as the night went on.”

The Australian rider was taking part in his first British Championship and relished the close racing in the showpiece event.

“I’ve raced in quite a few national championships back home in Oz and it is no different, the pressure is high and there are big stakes. That showed tonight with some pretty tough racing especially in the semi with me, Scotty (Nicholls) and Danny (King) going for it.

Schlein enjoyed two tussles with his Ipswich team-mate and 2016 champion King and says it is always good to race against the Witches skipper.

“Me and Danny go way back,” Schelin said.

“The thing with Danny is that you can ride safe, the same with Scott and it pays off as you get good racing.”

After an injury-hit couple of seasons for Schlein, the Darwin-born rider is enjoying a successful 2017 and is pleased to see his hard work pay off.

The Witches entertain Workington on Thursday night at Foxhall.... who include the new British champion, Cook.