Perry gunning for Grand Final glory (From Halesowen News)

Perry gunning for Grand Final glory

8:20pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in Sport

TOM Perry insists Heathens will need to be at their best to secure Grand Final glory next week.

The former Cradley club stage the home leg at their adopted Wolverhampton track on Tuesday against Mildenhall, with the return leg in Suffolk 24 hours later.

Perry, who has had a magnificent season, says finishing top of the league is a fine achievement — but the play-offs are what really matters.

Heathens booked their place in the final with a magnificent win at Stoke last Wednesday, 24 hours after edging the first leg of the semi final by a solitary point.

It looked as though they had wasted their chance but the all-round spirit shown by the team at Loomed Road has set them up for a double header on Tuesday. The Grand Final will start at 7.30pm and this will be followed immediately by the second-leg of the KOC Final, also against Mildenhall, with the Heathens chasing a massive 28-point deficit.

Perry said: “It’s been a brilliant year for Heathens and we have had some massive wins.

“Finishing top of the league was a fantastic achievement and what we were aiming for, but we need to make it count in the play-off final.

“I think we certainly have the team to do it. We’ve finished top of the league for a reason, but anything can happen and we just need things to come together on the night.

“We’re going for it and we’re all desperate to end the season with the title.

“At Stoke we all looked more back to our same old selves. We are all happy and getting along well, and that team spirit will hopefully help us get over the line.”

Skipper Adam Roynon is on his way back for Tuesday after making a successful return to the saddle following his back injuries. He scored 15 for Workington at Newcastle on Sunday and will replace Joe Haines.

And James White Williams should be back after damaging his ankle in the home semi final with Stoke.

The Welshman said: “The swelling has gone down on the ankle and I’m walking on it so I will be back for next week.

“I’ve been a part of this team from the start of the season and I’m desperate to score some points and help us win the play-offs.”

Admission prices for the two meetings have been set at £15 adults, £10 concessions and £2 children. A special souvenir programme will be produced to mark the landmark occasion for £3.

Meanwhile, fans attending Tuesday’s double-header, which will be the last home action of the season for the Heathens, can also purchase their tickets for the club’s awards night. The event, which has already sold 300 seats, takes place at the Venue Conference and Banqueting Suite, Upper High Street, Dudley on Friday November 2.

The team will be in attendance and there will be live music from The Magoos.

Tickets cost £10 and are available from the track shop or the online shop.