Triumphant farewell for Cradley: Heathens' departure from Monmore has silver lining

The Heathens wrapped up a comfortable 86-65 aggregate triumph over King's Lynn as they stormed to a 39-22 second leg win in a meeting cut short due to rain.

It was poignant that on their last appearance at their adopted home they lifted major silverware for the first time at the venue.

Despite the future of the club being left in limbo, the side put any off-track issues to one side to put in another professional display and continue their rich history in knockout competitions.

A composed 5-1 from dynamic middle order duo Max Clegg and Tom Perry helped the hosts get off to a fine start to settle any nerves – and when falls for both King's Lynn riders gifted the same pair a 5-0 in heat five it put the Heathens 19 clear on aggregate.

A nasty crash for Nathan Greaves in heat six did give the visitors their first heat advantage although the youngster thankfully dusted himself down to walk away.

Although Ben Morley conquered tricky conditions to claim a tactical ride win for the Young Stars in heat eight the Heathens had already established their control on the tie.

With conditions rapidly deteriorating due to heavy rain, all-action local lad Tom Perry defied the weather to storm around Josh Bailey on the final bend of heat nine after falling earlier in the race.

He joined in-form partner Clegg at the front for what would prove the final Heathens 5-1 at Monmore Green before the meeting was called to a halt after ten heats and Cradley's victory confirmed.

Fittingly, it was another superb all-around team performance which saw the Heathens bring the curtain down on their Monmore Green era.

Although Steve Worrall was absent due to his broken wrist, all six remaining riders put in strong showings to ensure they retained the Cup and sparked jubilant scenes amongst the packed terraces.

It was Cradley's 47th consecutive win at the venue meaning they leave Monmore Green for the final time having preserved their proud unbeaten home record stemming back to August 2011.

Cradley: Max Clegg 11, Paul Starke 9, Tom Perry 6+3, Nathan Greaves 6, Matt Williamson 4, Danny Phillips 3+1, Steve Worrall R/R

King's Lynn: Ben Morley 8, James Cockle 5, Josh Bailey 4, Marc Owen 3, Tom Stokes 2, Layne Cupitt 0, Darren Mallett R/R