Will Pottinger hails Cradley Heathens' display

The Motor Market Heathens were faced with a tough task against a Hitmen side containing powerhouse top two Max Clegg and Matt Williamson.

But the hosts avoided any potential slip-ups to claim a comfortable victory and bounce back from Sunday’s away defeat at Stoke.

It was a strong all-around team display from Pottinger’s side, with all seven riders recording at least a paid win.

“We always knew not to take Buxton lightly, because they have some good riders and plenty of track knowledge with Max and Matt,” Pottinger said.

“We were always wary of that, but we weren’t complacent and we took the match by the scruff of the neck from the start.

“We got some heat advantages in the first few heats which set the tone for the rest of the meeting, and we’ve got over Sunday’s defeat quickly so everyone is feeling good.”

Skipper Tom Perry led from the front and was involved in some spectacular racing, brilliantly rounding Clegg to win heat four before his opposite number got revenge by snatching first place in heat 13.

No.1 Danny Ayres notched double figures but was left frustrated at the end of the night after crashing out of heat 13 whilst leading and then losing first place to Clegg on the final lap of heat 15.

Middle order duo Luke Harris and Dan Greenwood both impressed and ended their evenings with victories, plus Joe Lawlor notched an excellent paid nine in the No.2 spot.

Reserves Conor Dwyer and Shelby Rutherford also chipped in with solid points at reserve, with Dwyer patiently picking off Ben Woodhull to win heat two.

The race was stopped as Woodhull clipped his back wheel on the final lap and caused a spectacular crash from which both thankfully walked away, although the Buxton man was forced to pull out with a wrist injury.

The Heathens will be back in action as they make the short trip to Perry Barr for a huge local derby clash with Birmingham.