CRADLEY Heathens are all set to defend their Knockout Cup crown against King's Lynn next Tuesday.

The club is expecting a bumper crowd at Monmore for their second successive final.

The Heathens, who brushed aside the Isle of Wight in last year’s final, are clear favourites to retain the cup after proving too good for the National League so far this season.

They are looking to take a big lead from their home leg against the Stars after beating Coventry over two legs in the semi-finals.

Will Pottinger’s men pulled off a fine 32-27 win at Brandon last Friday.

However, the meeting was overshadowed by unsavoury scenes which saw the meeting abandoned as an injured mechanic received treatment.

A clash between James Sarjeant and Nathan Greaves in heat ten sparked ugly scenes as riders and mechanics from both sides came to blows.

It was an unfortunate end to what had been an entertaining contest, and Cradley boss Will Pottinger admitted he was disappointing by events.

However, he was pleased with the on-track performance of his side as they overcame their absences to pick up victory.

He said: "It was a real shame to see the meeting how it did, and it goes without saying that we wish the guy who got hurt well.

"As far as the meeting goes it was a good performance from us, and we've got to be happy to come away with the win given the riders we were missing."

Stand-in skipper Tom Perry stormed to a faultless maximum for the visitors, whilst guesting number one Joe Jacobs also went unbeaten.

Youngster Max Clegg and Nathan Greaves were also impressive in the middle order to help form a powerful top four which accounted for eight race wins to lead them to victory on the night.

After the incident that marred the Coventry contest, Cradley said they will welcome an inquiry into the matter.

Perry added: "We are into the final now which is the main thing, and we are looking forward to trying to finish the job to win the trophy.

“We know we are capable of beating King’s Lynn as long as everyone is fully focused. All the team are riding well and full of confidence so we just need to keep that confidence flowing.

“Hopefully we can put in another good performance at home in the first leg to build up a big lead and then take it from there.”

The Heathens have pegged admission prices for the final at £11 adults, £8 concessions and £2 for children.

Meanwhile, Cradley star Steve Worrall came within a whisker of glory in the National League Riders' Championship before eventually having to settle for second place at Rye House.

The Heathens number one travelled to Hoddesdon Park amongst the favourites having enjoyed a spectacular campaign.

Yet it was Mildenhall man Dan Halsey who held his nerve in a tense finale to pip Worrall to the top prize by a single point.

The trio were set to be back in Cradley colours last night as the club hosted Mildenhall in the re-arranged first leg of their National League play-off semi-final at Monmore Green.