Cradley 48, Eastbourne 41

CRADLEY swooped in the final heat to secure victory over visitors Eastbourne Eagles at Perry Barr tonight.

Just like their opening league fixture a fortnight ago, the contest went right to the wire once more.

It was the hosts that started the brighter as Aaron Mogridge and Ellis Perks set the tone with wins in the first two heats of the night.

However, consecutive 5-1s in heats 4 and 5 saw the Eagles storm into a narrow lead.

Then it was Cradley's turn to fight back as Nathan Greaves secured a victory in heat 7.

The following heat saw a brilliant ride from Mogridge to claim the scalp of visiting captain David Mason.

It could have been even better for the Heathens but Ellis Perks suffered mechanical trouble when out in front.

But back-to-back 4-2s in heats 9 and 10, thanks to wins from Matt Williamson and Aaron Mogridge respectively edged Cradley further ahead.

Williamson's success handed the first defeat of the night to Eastbourne's Bradley Wilson-Dean.

In keeping with the night's action, the emphasis swung back Eastbourne's way as they claimed wins in heats 11 and 12 to set up a grandstand finish.

The hosts took a narrow three point advantages into the final race but had no need to worry as captain Clegg and teammate Greaves won it in style with a 5-1 maximum to delight the home crowd.

The victory sees the Heathens build on their opening day success against Coventry Storm and maintains their perfect start to their title defence.


CRADLEY 48: Arron Mogridge 11, Max Clegg 9, Nathan Greaves 8+1, Matt Williamson 8, Ellis Perks 5+1, Michael Neale 5, Luke Harris 2+1.

EASTBOURNE 41: Bradley Wilson-Dean 13, Darryl Ritchings 11, David Mason 7, Kelsey Dugard 5+2, Richard Andrews 4+1, Georgie Wood 1, Danny Warwick R/R.
National League points: Cradley 3 Eastbourne 0