Lydd’s Bradley Ray put two crashes behind him to score his first point of the new Superbike World Championship season in Australia.

The Yamaha Motoxracing rider battled to a top-15 finish in race two at Phillip Island after early drama in race one.

Starting the season opener 17th after a qualifying time of 1min29.242sec, Ray got away well and began to make up positions. But after only a few turns lost ground avoiding a collision. There was nothing he could do, though, when another rider made contact on lap six, causing the Brit to fall. He recovered to finish 21st.

The 10-lap Superpole race saw another 21st-place finish after a second crash, this time on lap five, but Ray saved his best for last in a shortened 11-lap second race.

The action was suspended on lap four before a loss of front tyre wear forced Ray to drop back. However he ticked the remaining laps down safely to open his account for the season in 15th place.

“The [second] day didn’t start well as although I made a good start in the Superpole race I then crashed at turn six,” Ray said.

“I finished the race but didn’t score a good result. In Race two I started strong but soon found myself dealing with premature front tyre wear that forced me to slow down and lose positions as a result.

“I was able to reach the points zone anyway, and that makes for a positive weekend overall.

“I’m pleased with the path we’re on and confident as we look ahead to the next round in Catalunya. I want to thank the whole team for their hard work.”

The next round of the championship will take place on 22-24 March.