Ruthless Cradley Heathens are in pole position

The Motor Market Heathens were always major favourites for the clash with the visitors severely depleted through injury.

And the hosts were dominant from start to finish as they returned to the top of their National Trophy group.

Heathens got their night off to the perfect start, opening with four, 5-1 maximums.

In fact, they only failed to claim a race winner in one single heat, when Buxton skipper Tom Woolley took the chequered flag in heat seven.

But even that was pushed hard as talented teen Drew Kemp chased down to the line.

The youngster was punished with a 15-metre handicap after breaking the tapes in the initial staging, but soon worked his way into second place before pushing Woolley all the way.

That was the only time the 15-year-old was beaten from six rides as he continued to show why he is one of Britain’s brightest future stars.

The same can be said for Kyle Bickley who stormed to a 15-point maximum – his second unbeaten meeting in succession.

Skipper Adam Roynon led by example with a paid maximum of his own, and team rode superbly with Bickley in the final race to wrap up a final 5-1.

Alfie Bowtell hit double figures for a third straight fixture, despite riding round for third in heat 13 with a slow puncture.

Chris Widman enjoyed one of his best displays in recent times and rode in a determined manner to be a part of three maximums while Jason Edwards had a solid night in his first meeting in the main body of the side.

With the Heathens now leading the way on 14 points, they know their destiny is in their own hands with three fixtures remaining.

Home and away meetings against rivals Birmingham are to come, but first they face a pivotal trip to Leicester to face Coventry this Sunday (June 10, 3pm).