Cradley 61, Buxton 31

CRADLEY kept the pressure on National League leaders Birmingham by shooting down the Buxton Hitmen at Perry Barr tonight.

Despite the Brummies edging away in top spot, the Heathens are keen to cut the gap, especially with a clash with their rivals just a fortnight away.

Cradley got off to a perfect start as captain Max Clegg took the win and was followed home by Arron Mogridge.

However, the visitors hit back with wins in heats two and three for David Holt and Ryan Blacklock respectively to make sure the opening exchanges proved a close affair.

But back-to-back wins for Ellis Perks in heats 4 and 5, the first of those a maximum as Matt Williamson secured second spot, made sure Cradley edged away.

Perks, who is returning to form after a spell out injured, was at it again in heats 8 and 9 as he powered to the line once more.

Another maximum points haul in heat 10 thanks to the equally impressive Clegg and Mogridge gave Cradley a 20 point lead and all but sealed the victory.

A brilliant ride in heat 11 saw lone Heathen Williamson ensure points were shared after coming out on top of an enthralling battle with the experienced Tony Atkin.

They fought for a long time out in front before Williamson put in a fine pass to take the win.

The ruthless Heathens ended with more heat wins for Perks and Clegg, the highlight being more 5-1 shutouts in heats 12 and 15.

Importantly, Cradley made sure they got the job done and began a busy period with a confidence-boosting performance.

CRADLEY 61: Max Clegg 15, Ellis Perks 15, Matt Williamson 13+2, Arron Mogridge 9+3, Michael Neale 5+2, Tyler Govier 4+1, Nathan Greaves R/R.

BUXTON 31: Ryan Blacklock 12, Liam Carr 7, Tony Atkin 5, David Holt 4, Tom Woolley 2+1, Kyle Roberts 1, Adam Extance R/R.

National League points: Cradley 3 Buxton 0