Michael Rutter won the opening Superbike race on Saturday

The TAS Suzuki rider from New Zealand moved clear in the early stages on a wet triangle circuit.

But Enniskillen man Britton closed the gap and kept up the pressure on his Honda machine, only for Anstey to hold on for the victory.

The pair were well clear of third-placed Ian Lougher while Martin Finnegan came in fourth.

A hailstorm after one lap forced a re-start and the race was reduced to five laps.

Anstey told BBC Sport that his tyre strategy proved decisive in securing the top prize.

"I put the wets on and just went out hard in the first couple of laps and then tried to make it to the end - I managed to do it," said the Kiwi.

"I saw Richard coming and just hoped the tyres lasted. The bike has been going very well this week and I am now looking forward to the TT."

Britton deliberately slowed down with one lap left after believing the race was coming to an end.

"I thought I was on my last lap when I put my hand up indicating I was finishing," he said.

"I then realised my mistake and chased after Anstey but it was too late. I'm shattered." Englishman Michael Rutter took the opening superbike race in the Junction One sponsored event.

The HM Plant Honda rider produced a lap record of 123.03mph as he claimed his 11th win in the North West by edging out Steve Plater.

Plater, who was also on a Honda, finished well ahead of third-placed TAS Suzuki rider Adrian Archibald.

Ballymoney man Archibald won a tight battle for third place ahead of Richard Britton while Bruce Anstey and Martin Finnegan were fifth and sixth.

Ryan Farquhar and John McGuinness retired during the race because of mechanical failure.

Black Horse NW200 Superbike
1 Bruce Anstey
2 Richard Britton
3 Ian Lougher

DeWalt Superbike:
1 Michael Rutter
2 Steve Plater
3 Adrian Archibald