A brave last corner move by Eugene Laverty has seen him snatch a second World Supersport victory of the season following another thrilling race at Assen, Netherlands.

Mirroring the dramatic final lap enjoyed by their Superbike counterparts earlier in the day, Laverty, Cal Crutchlow and Joan Lascorz gave a marvellous display of aggressive riding through the concluding bends,

However, while he was down to third just a few corners from the finish, it was Laverty who prevailed when he denied Lascorz victory into the final turn chicane, before resisting Crutchlow to the chequered flag – the top three would be separated by just 0.178secs.

Another enjoyably close Supersport race from start to finish, Crutchlow had been hot favourite initially but a desperately slow getaway, prompted by a gear selection problem, saw him down in tenth from the start.

Instead, it was Ten Kate Honda that made the running initially, Kenan Sofuoglu ahead of the fast-starting Andrew Pitt, but the usual hustle over the next few laps would see them slip back behind as Lascorz and Laverty returned to the fore.

Between them, Lascorz and Laverty led for the majority of the race, swapping the lead on numerous occasions while their rivals battled close behind.

Chief amongst the protagonists was the recovering Crutchlow and Yamaha team-mate Fabien Foret, who was enjoying arguably his most competitive ride for some time just outside the top five. Indeed, with Crutchlow was making rapid progress through the field, Foret sprung a surprise by producing a risky outside overtaking move at the final corner and catching the British rider unawares.

From here, he gradually climbed the order, getting as high as second position before falling back into the clutches of Crutchlow in the battle for third place.

However, their battle came to a head on lap 16 when Crutchlow dived down the inside of Foret at the hairpin, forcing both riders wide and losing them time. Seizing the chance to pounce, Pitt attempted to pass both but instead slid off his Ten Kate Honda, before his arm was clipped by the recovering Crutchlow. Although able to extricate himself from the gravel, Pitt appeared to be in some discomfort as he nursed his arm.