Following up after a sparkling performance on the track in Bendigo on Thursday night, Josh Thomson looked to be the rider to beat.
He was joined by five more riders; George Griffiths, UCI master mechanic Nick McNair, Cam Smith stepping up from B-grade, Brayden Walsh, and after a pre-race tyre repair,Francis Lias.
Early in the race, the pace was fast but steady until George Griffiths decided to shake things up with a series of attacks.
Much to the amusement of the crowd, George and Nick gave each other a bit of advice at times.
Late in the race, it was Brayden Walsh who made the strongest move of the race as he rode clear impressively.
Strained faces in the bunch gave him hope that the counterpunch wasn't coming.
His biggest threat seemed to be the local rocket scientist walking his three dogs off lead around the track.
After a few laps, the bunch reformed and at the bell they were all together, even down the back straight there was no clear winner.
As they came into view on the home straight, it was Josh who put the foot down to cross the line first from George in second and Nick McNair in third.
B-grade
Regular EMCC racers John Brian, Dazza McKemmish, Claire Goodman, Mel Smolenaars, Matt Dobeli and Russell Jeffreys were joined by Frenchman Max in his first crit, for Friday night's race.
From the outset, Max looked a level above as he rode on the front for several minutes from the start.
Rather than taking advantage of the new rider's work on the front, Matt in second wheel simply didn't have the horsepower to pull alongside and offer to roll through.
As usual, Dazz provided the surges that stretched the field, with Russ falling victim first.
With five minutes to go, however, after a customary surge, it was Dazz who found himself gapped with Matt and Mel sucking his wheel and the crack opened, leaving John, Claire and Max out front.
With 4–5 laps to go, John and Claire tried to shake Max clear and opened up a small gap but to no avail as they came together for the final lap.
John drove the pace as Max and Claire launched for the line, it was Max for the win on debut from Claire in second and John third.
C-grade
Heather Lias, Zenon Gawronski, Paul and Dave Oman formed our C-grade group.
Early in the race it seemed that some Dave Oman strength on the front was going to stretch the group and despite his best efforts, it was Zenon who popped first.
The remaining three seemed evenly matched (despite later accusations of some Dave Oman secret training form).
As the race progressed, all moves were countered and the group awaited the bell for the final lap.
In a willing final lap, it was elder brother Paul Oman who crossed the line first, continuing a stellar season.
Heather rode strongly for second with Dave Oman in third.
Thanks to race director Helen Crilly, Cameron Smith for setting up, and our ever-reliable photographer Richard Bailey.
We'll see you all next Friday night.
