Cradley 56, Mildenhall 36

CRADLEY maintained their unbeaten start to their National League title defence with victory over rivals Mildenhall tonight.

The Heathens won the top-of-the-table clash at Perry Barr to open up an early gap between the sides in the league standings.

After a delay to proceeding due to an electrical issue affecting the starting lights, Cradley soon got into gear.

The Heathens, brilliantly led by skipper Max Clegg, set the tone with a host of early heat victories.

The hosts claimed 4-2s in heats two, three and four to keep their noses in front. Their task was helped by some great riding from Matt Williamson, who only just missed out on a perfect set of rides on the night.

The Heathens secured their first maximum in heat six to edge themselves away from their determined opposition. The race ended up being awarded to Aaron Mogridge on the last lap after both Mildenhall riders had crashed out on the final circuit.

There was more drama to come just one heat later. With Cradley looking all set for back-to-back maximums, Michael Neale slid out at the final bend.

Team-mate Nathan Greaves made it home first but the heat was drawn as the FenTigers' pair quickly followed.

Ultimately it proved just a blip in an hard-fought victory for league leaders Cradley.

Captain Clegg stormed home in first place in heats 10 and 13 as his side secured 5-1s in both races to extend out of reach of their rivals.

The Heathens had to scrap for the points but were in control throughout in what should prove a confidence boosting success.

CRADLEY 56: Max Clegg 14+1, Matt Williamson 13, Nathan Greaves 10+1, Arron Mogridge 8+1, Michael Neale 5, Luke Harris 3+1, Ellis Perks 3.

MILDENHALL 36: Dan Halsey 10, Tom Bacon 9+1, Jack Kingston 6+1, Connor Mountain 6, Connor Coles 3+1, Jeremy Pestell 2+1, Liam Rumsey R/R National League points: Cradley 3 Mildenhall 0