THE Guisborough-based Swan Yamaha team had a mixed start to the MCE British Superbike Championship Showdown.

Tommy Hill claimed a double podium finish, while Michael Laverty secured a second place in race one before a crash in the second race at Donington Park.

The opening race of the day saw both Swan Yamaha riders in an epic dice for the first victory of the season climax.

Laverty had taken the early lead in the first race before Shane Byrne stole the position on the third lap.

Laverty then dropped to third as Hill moved ahead, but with four riders switching places after Hill made a move on Byrne at Goddards it gave Laverty the chance to take the lead.

Laverty then maintained his position until the final three laps when John Hopkins edged ahead and Laverty and Hill completed a double podium performance in second and third respectively.

The second race almost ended prematurely for Laverty when he collided with Byrne at Redgate on the opening lap and as the pair ended in the gravel he then had to pick up the Swan Yamaha to try and salvage some points.

He was able to finish in 14th position and set the fastest lap of the race in the process.

Hill had taken the lead on the opening laps, but was passed by Hopkins and despite his best efforts finished in second place to put him three points behind in the overall standings.

Hill said: "I was gutted with the first race result today despite finishing on the podium as we just didn't have the speed."