The Honda Racing rider lost his championship lead after crashing out in the wet in the opening race, which was carried over from Saturday as a result of bad weather at the Leicestershire circuit.

However, after finishing seventh in race two – won by title rival Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) – Irwin battled back to clinch the runner-up spot behind McAMS Yamaha rider Tarran Mackenzie in the third race, with Brookes completing the podium places.

Former champion Brookes was leading the race until he was overhauled by Irwin, who appeared on course for victory.

However, Mackenzie was on a charge and began to reel in Irwin after passing Brookes for second place.

Mackenzie also lined up a move on Irwin and once the Scotsman had his nose in front, he was able to open a slight gap to claim victory by 1.2s from Irwin, with Brookes taking third ahead of team-mate Christian Iddon.

Andrew Irwin finished seventh, Jack Kennedy (RAF Regular & Reserves Kawasaki) 13th, Keith Farmer (Buildbase Suzuki) 15th and Graeme Irwin (Team 64 Kawasaki) was 19th.

With one round to go at Brands Hatch (October 16-18), Brookes leads Iddon by 16 points in a one-two for Paul Bird’s Ducati team, with Carrickfergus man Irwin two points further behind in fourth, only a point ahead of Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha).