Heathens made to work for successful start to title defence

CRADLEY made a victorious start to their National League title defence at Perry Barr tonight.

The Heathens were made to work hard for the points against a determined Coventry side that took the meeting Ll the way to the final heat.

The visitors to Cradley's adopted home won the first leg as Luke Crang set the tone for what was a good evening for him.

However, Cradley hit back straight away as the impressive Ellis Perks and Matt Neal claimed a maximum in heat two.

The next three heats were drawn as the meeting remained a close affair.

A decisive moment came in heat eight when Perks and Mogridge led a Heathens 5-1 as they finally put some day light between them and their opponents.

Just when it looked like Cradley would finally edge way, Coventry hit back again.

Heat 13 saw former Heathen Dan Greenwood and team-mate Crang bag a much-needed maximum to bring them to within four points.

With the following heat drawn it meant that the result was still in the balance as the riders lined up for the final heat of the night.

Captain Max Clegg them stormed into an unassailable lead to ensure his side got their title defence off to a successful start.

The heat ended in dramatic fashion, however, as Crang crashed out after a late collision with Perks. With the race almost completed, it was Clegg that was awarded the victory to the delight of the fans that made their way from the Black Country.

Coventry wouldn't let them get away but importantly the Heathens did enough to take the win.

CRADLEY 47: Ellis Perks 14, Max Clegg 11, Matt Williamson 9, Nathan Greaves 6+1, Michael Neale 3+2, Arron Mogridge 2+1, Luke Harris 2+1.

COVENTRY 43: Dan Greenwood 13, Luke Crang 10+2, Darryl Ritchings 8, Rob Shuttleworth 5+3, Stefan Farnaby 2, Martin Knuckey 2, Conor Dwyer 1+1.
National League points: Cradley 3 Coventry 1

BRONZE HELMET:
Dan Greenwood (Coventry) beat Max Clegg (Cradley)