DOMINANT Cradley claimed National League Fours glory once again on a dramatic afternoon at Brandon.

The Heathens put in a determined display to overcome some stern competition and tricky track conditions to emerge victorious from a chaotic meeting.

It was a magnificent triumph for Will Pottinger’s side to kick off a blockbuster few days in perfect fashion as they prepare to pursue Knockout Cup and National League glory on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

And team boss Pottinger heaped praise on his quartet as they successfully defended the trophy they won in spectacular fashion in 2013.

Said Pottinger: “It took over four hours to get the meeting done, but we’ve retained our trophy and the lads deserve full credit because it was a tremendous performance.

“We only just scraped into the final, but then everyone stepped it up when it mattered and it was a brilliant win.

“Obviously Starkey, Max and Nathan all went unbeaten in the final which was great to see, and even though Tom didn’t score he still played his part and was winning his first ride until he fell.

“It was a good team effort and it gives everyone plenty of confidence ahead of a massive week.”

The Heathens needed a second place from skipper Paul Starke ahead of Kent man Simon Lambert to seal their place in the final as they recovered from a nervy start to emerge from their sem-final.

Despite a tough start to the meeting, Cradley continued to grow more comfortable with difficult conditions culminating in a fine showing in the Final.

From the moment Nathan Greaves stormed underneath Josh Bates in heat one to give them an early lead they never looked back, with four wins in the opening five races before Greaves sealed glory in composed style in heat six.

With Paul Starke, Max Clegg and Greaves all going unbeaten in the final, a tough afternoon for Tom Perry proved unimportant as the in-form Heathens claimed the top prize.