HEREFORDSHIRE'S young motorcycle world championship contender Chaz Davies gave a fine performance, scoring six points from a 10th place finish at the Ferrari-owned track in Mugello, Italy on the weekend.

Davies beat two Italians at their home circuit which was nothing short of impressive despite the fact that he did not get off to a good start. Having qualified in 17th position, he dropped to 18th but quickly worked his way back up through the pack.

Davies confirmed that his start was poor.

"In fact it was a bad one," he said. "But I was lucky because a lot of other people also seemed to get away poorly."

In comparison with the race at Le Mans three weeks ago, Davies was flying in his first laps, going just half a second slower than in qualifying on his second lap and equalling this time in the third.

Davies was in a group of riders made up of Giansanti, Smrz, Guintoli, Baldolini and Ballerini, first in the back, but after three more laps he was in front.

"I tried to get away, but couldn't. Then Guintoli got in front and I was sitting comfortably behind him," he explained. "And when Smrz slipped by, I said to myself, ok, this is enough, I don't want anybody else in front. Then I believe Smrz touched Guintoli and both crashed and I was really lucky not getting involved as well."

Davies had the fifth best top speed of the race, and was third on the average speeds.

After being third best private rider at Le Mans, the Herefordshire racer was on top of his class this time.

l Hereford rider Paul Rogers will be looking to build on earlier success in the second round of the Welsh Open Motocross series near Rhayader next Wednesday.

Rogers is undefeated after three successes in his races in the first meeting.

Almost 4,500 spectators turned out for the first round and organisers are hoping for a similarly large following next week.