SANDWELL Lions slipped to a 95-85 defeat against Wednesfield in the Midland League.

Wednesfield won the toss and had opened up a four point lead by heat two - an advantage they had increased to 12 points after heat eight.

Sandwell’s young side never gave up the chase but with the Aces blend of young and experience, they were always a little too hot for the Lions.

Lee Smith fell at the start of heat two but picked himself up and finished third, before winning his next three and then finishing behind team mate Scott Millward in heat 17.

Millward pushed Mark Griffiths all the way in heat seven but had to settled for second place to the Wednesfield man.

Ricki Johnson, who the day before won the under-16s round of the British Youth and Junior meeting at Swindon, once again gave his all and finished with 14 points.

Sandwell 85: Scott Millward 17, Lee Smith 17+1, Ricki Johnson 14+1, Matt Smith 12, Luke Brookes 9, Steve Brookes 8+2, Harley Grenvenor 5, Jack Rowley 3.

Wednesfield 95: Lee Aris 15, Mark Griffiths 15+1, Chris Jewkes 14+2, Roger Cox 13, Tony DeLeon 11+1, Steve Mullinder 11+2, Matt Haddock 10+2, Mick Aris 6+2.

There was revenge of sorts for the Lions in the Division Two match as they came away 68-62 winners.

Sandwell 68: Ricki Johnson 18+2, Jack Rowley 18, Luke Brookes 11+1, Josh Hill 9+1, Harley Grosvenor 8, Ryan Guest 4.

Wednesfield 62: Troy Allen 15+1, Jordan Holdcroft 14, Sam Parr 10+2, Reanna Bradley 7, Harry Everiss 6+1, Courtney Aris 5, Aeron O'Brien 5+1.