Speedway's Cradley are back and winning

After four successful years under the Dudley banner, the Heathens have reverted to their original identity – and one of the sport's most famous names was given a return to remember on a night of exhilarating action.

A new-look side, following in the tyre marks of the all-conquering 2013 team, were made to work extremely hard by a solid Storm outfit before prevailing by an eight-point margin – much to the delight of a passionate home crowd.

The home side made a lightning start with three consecutive heat advantages in this Travel Plus Trophy first leg, with talented teenager Max Clegg hunting down former Heathen Darryl Ritchings before executing a perfect last-bend cutback to put his side six up. Yet the gritty visitors fought back – and when a fall for Nathan Greaves was followed by mechanical issues for Danny Phillips in heat eight, it handed the Storm a 5-0 and a one-point lead. However, reserve Matt Williamson provided the catalyst for a late Heathens surge as a brave ride around the boards saw him prevail over Coventry No.1 Stefan Nielsen in a scintillating battle to partner Steve Worrall for a crucial 5-1 in heat 11. Phillips then flew from the tapes in the next outing, shepherded home by local youngster Tom Perry.

Reserve duo Williamson and Phillips both enjoyed excellent evenings, as did fellow debutant Worrall who was joint top scorer.

The Cradley No.5 reeled off three wins – including a classy victory in the final race, to form a dangerous spearhead with guesting No.1 Ashley Morris. The 2013 Heathens skipper dusted himself down from a nasty fall in heat 10 to notch double figures.

Cradley: Ashley Morris 11, Steve Worrall 11, Max Clegg 9, Matt Williamson 7+2, Danny Phillips 5+1, Tom Perry 4+1, Nathan Greaves 1.

Coventry: James Sarjeant 10, Luke Crang 8, Stefan Nielsen 7+2, Darryl Ritchings 5+1, Ryan Terry-Daley 5+1, Dan Greenwood 5, Martin Knuckey 0.

By Nigel Pearson