CRADLEY made a commanding start to their 2017 season with a comprehensive 61-29 win over King's Lynn Young Stars at Perry Barr.

And after two years away with local rivals Birmingham, it was a dream return for Motor Market Heathens skipper Tom Perry who romped to a 15-point maximum.

Perry said: "It's great to be back with Cradley and I obviously couldn't have asked for a better start.

"To get my own season up and running like that is ideal and hopefully I can put in performances similar to that all season.

"Tonight wasn't just about me though, everyone rode well and everyone did their job and more.

"We know we'll have tougher meetings this year but there were definitely plenty of encouraging signs from all of the team.

"We wanted to send a message out to the rest of the league and I think we definitely did that."

New No.1 Danny Ayres recovered from mechanical problems in his first to go unbeaten by an opposition rider in his last four rides.

2013 title winner Dan Greenwood and exciting reserve Joe Lawlor both picked up two race wins a-piece while Luke Harris will have gained plenty of confidence from his performance in he main body of the team.

Conor Dwyer had a solid night at No.2 while Ryan Burton did his job at reserve as the Heathens dominated their season opener.

The Heathens will return to Perry Barr next Wednesday (April 5) as the away side when they go head-to-head with Birmingham in the rearranged West Midlands Trophy.

CRADLEY 61: Tom Perry 15, Danny Ayres 11+3, Dan Greenwood 10+1, Luke Harris 8+1, Joe Lawlor 7+1, Conor Dwyer 6+2, Ryan Burton 4+2.

KING’S LYNN 29: Scott Campos 9, Luke Priest 7, Ryan Kinsley 5+2, Danny Phillips 4, Connor Locke 2, Taylor Hampshire 1+1, Lewis Whitmore 1.