KIERAN Clarke will go into the third round of the British Superbikes Championship this weekend with every confidence after a strong showing in round two at Brands Hatch.

19-year-old Kieran -- racing for the Keighley-based Colin Appleyard team -- will be looking to emulate and improve on his tenth and 13th place finishes last time out.

Having qualified in 14th place for the first race, Kieran, competing on last year's 2003 R1 model, found himself placed between the two factory 2004 Virgin Yamaha riders, Steve Plater and Tommy Hill on the grid.

Kieran forced his way through the pack at the start, narrowly missing the huge crash between Sean Emmett and Glen Richards after the first corner.

As the race continued Kieran found himself battling with Sam Corke, Jon Kirkham, Tommy Hill, Steve Plater and Dennis Hobbs for ninth place. A lap by lap battle ensued before the first round eventually ended with Kieran crossing the line in tenth, his best position to date.

Keen to improve during the second outing of the day, Kieran got another impressive start.

For the next ten laps it was frantic action all over again until a slight mistake cost Clarke the tow on the group ahead. For the remaining laps, Clarke had all his attention focused on defending his place. With a last big effort to snatch 12th place, the rear tyre spun up in protest and Clarke had to settle for 13th.

Kieran said: "It was another good weekend for me, I'm learning new things every time I go out on the bike.

"The bike's working great and I'm realising that I can still get a lot out of it. The more I'm on the bike the happier I feel with things. I feel I'm progressing at each meeting and very happy to have scored double points at Brands. The bikes should work well at Snetterton so I will be hoping for another good result there."

Colin Appleyard said "It was only Kieran's second meeting on board the Superbike and he did very well. It's very encouraging to get a top ten finish and points this early."