Dudley Heathens storm to speedway double over Wolves
Dudley 54 Wolves 39 - Lewis Blackbird scorched to a stunning maximum as Dudley Heathens completed a quickfire double over a powerhouse Wolves side last night.
The former Mildenhall man went through the card with an inspired performance as Heathens secured the Les Pottinger Cup.
And Blackbird was thrilled after another excellent evening saw the former Cradley club extend their tremendous record.
He said: "I was absolutely delighted with that performance – it was another great night for me.
"I had a bad weekend in the Premier League so I was desperate to come and put it right riding for Dudley, so I'm glad I managed to do that. I had some tough races, but I was feeling quick and managed to come out on top to get a really good maximum.
"Fair play to all the boys, it was another great team effort and we just keep going from strength to strength.
"It was great to beat them again and do even better than last week – that one was for the fans who once again gave us great support."
After racing into a 10-point lead after six outings Dudley looked well set for a comprehensive win – yet Wolves hit back through a Robert Branford tactical ride.
A 5-1 for the away side in heat 10 reduced the deficit to just five – but Heathens came on strong in the closing stages with four heat advantages sealing an excellent victory.
Middle-order man Paul Starke also put in a magnificent display to form a formidable top two who accounted for eight race wins.
The 22-year-old suffered just one defeat from five outings, including a tremendous ride from the back to join Blackbird at the front for a 5-1 in heat 15..
Skipper Ashley Morris also made a crucial contribution at No.1, bagging race wins in his opening two rides to help his side to their early 10-point lead.
At reserve, youngsters Nathan Greaves and Max Clegg bolstered the lower order after taking a comfortable heat two 5-1.
Next Tuesday the former Cradley club welcome a strong line-up to Monmore Green for their annual FAST Golden Hammer individual event.
Dudley 54: Lewis Blackbird 15, Paul Starke 13+1, Ashley Morris 8, Nathan Greaves 6+1, Max Clegg 4+2, Dan Greenwood 4+1, Gareth Isherwood 4
Wolverhampton 39: Robert Branford 12, James Sarjeant 10+2, Kyle Newman 9+1, Joe Haines 7, Tom Woolley 1, Michael Neale 0, Damien Koppe R/R
