LUKE Harris, one of the Cradley newcomers, is relishing the prospect of pushing for a third successive league title for the club.

Harris, who commutes from his West London base for Heathens matches at Perry Barr, has found life tough in the early stages of the season.

But he insists he wants to play his part and is looking for plenty of points when they next line up against Eastbourne on Wednesday, April 22.

Cradley are due to take on Coventry in their opening National League fixture at Perry Barr tonight.

He said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge of trying to retain the title for Cradley.

“Obviously they have done a great job to win the league the last two years, so we really want to try and make it three in a row.

“It looks tough this year and we know it won’t be easy, but we have some great riders in the team and we are aiming to do it again.

“Hopefully I can have a good year and play my part to help make sure Cradley are up there challenging for the title.

“I’m honoured to be riding for Cradley because it’s such a big club and the fans are amazing. I’m looking forward to the season ahead, and it should be really good.

“Experience is obviously key in speedway, and I think the fact I’m coming into my second season in the National League should help.

“There are quite a few riders who haven’t got any experience at all at this level this year, so the fact I know what to expect and know what it’s about a little bit should help.

“I’m still young and still need advice and guidance myself, but I’ve already learnt a lot riding for Kent and with the few guest bookings I did last year.

“We have a great bunch of lads this year, so hopefully we can all pull together to help each other and I can learn a lot over the course of the season.

“I’m obviously going to be partnered with Cleggy (Max Clegg) riding at No.2, so I’m looking forward to riding alongside him.

“It should be good to get some help and guidance along the way from him, and I’m hoping we can develop a good partnership in heat one.

“I just want to keep progressing as a rider as the season goes on really, I’m hoping I can have a good year and score points consistently.”

Heathens skipper Max Clegg will take his place in the British Under 21 Final at Coventry next Tuesday, April 14.

Meanwhile, Nathan Greaves was facing a late fitness check ahead this week's league opener.

He suffered a small fracture to his hand in the British Under 21 semi-final at Mildenhall last Sunday as he crashed heavily in his second ride.

However, despite the diagnosis the popular teenager insists his only problems are posed by some bad swelling.

He said: "It's definitely not the ideal start to the season for me, getting injured, but hopefully I'll be back riding again sooner rather than later.

"It's only a tiny fracture and it's not really too painful to be honest, it's just the swelling which is causing me problems.

"As soon as the swelling goes down if should be able to ride, and I'm doing everything I can to try and speed things up."