Alfreton-based Fitzpatrick, 30, on the BLDS Couriers Yamaha extended his lead in the cup championship by ten points.

He looked smooth throughout the weekend and consistently ran in the thick of the action.

Struggling in the first qualifying on Saturday in the wet conditions he dropped down the pack. However, during the second qualifying session he managed to place himself in sixth place on the grid only a second off pole-position rider Chris Martin.

Fitzpatrick got a fantastic start in the race and was soon up to a great fourth place.

The safety car was deployed on lap three and then the race was red-flagged due to the same incident.

The race was re-started as a 12-lap race and unfortunately Fitzpatrick was blocked into the first corner and he dropped back to eighth position.

After fighting his way through to sixth place he came under attack from the factory backed Honda of Steve Brogan and also Honda mounted Dan Cooper. He fended off the challenge from TT star Ian Hutchinson and was in eighth place when the chequered flag came out.

Commenting, Fitzpatrick said: "It's been a tough weekend with a number of aspects. I'm really pleased to have gained my first top ten placing in the Supersport class and it gives me confidence as I head to one of my favourite circuits this weekend, Brands Hatch.

"It is so hard to fight with the factory boys as they have so much more power so it's all down to corner speed which I had but just couldn't quite pass them.

"I had some really good battles out on track and managed to take the cup win. I'm really looking forward to Brands and keeping my fingers crossed that it will be dry!"