Report: Cradley 48 Isle Of Wight 42
Cradley Heathens preserved their long-standing unbeaten record at Monmore Green in a nervy National League encounter with the Isle of Wight.
The patched-up Heathens were without influential No 1 Ashley Morris plus injured duo Jack Kingston and Bradley Andrews.
With the scores level after 10 heats, they looked in real danger of suffering their first defeat at the Wolverhampton track since being downed by Buxton in August 2011.
Yet they put in a brave performance to emerge victorious in a tense finale and maintain their perfect home record in 2016.
They were once again led superbly by their star heat-leader trio, with skipper Max Clegg, Luke Chessell and guest Ben Morley all playing vital roles.
Morley won each of his opening three rides to keep the Isle of Wight at bay, including a dramatic last-to-first ride in heat 10.
Chessell also started and ended his night with race wins, including a timely triumph in heat 12 as the hosts established a slender advantage.
However, it was crucial contributions from battling duo Ben Basford and James Purchase which arguably made all the difference in a tight clash.
Basford added four useful points despite moving up to the tough No.2 race jacket, while Purchase scored paid nine at reserve.
He took the chequered flag in his opening race and defied his recent lay-off with broken ribs to pick up two vital third places.
Cradley face a fortnight break before returning to action when they host local rivals Coventry at Monmore Green on Monday May 23 (7.30 pm).
Cradley: Max Clegg 14+1, Ben Morley 12+1, Luke Chessell 9, James Purchase 7+2, Ben Basford 4, Joe Lawlor 2, Jack Kingston R/R.
Isle Of Wight: Tom Perry 11+2, Dan Bewley 11, James Cockle 9, Lee Smart 8+1, Matt Saul 2, Tyler Govier 1+1, Mark Baseby R/R.
