Heathens 64, Stoke 30.

CRADLEY claimed another victory in their defence of their National League title as they overpowered Stoke at Monmore Green tonight.

They soon showed their class as they accelerated away from the Potters thanks to a fine performance from star man Max Clegg and a determined team effort.

A solid start from the Heathens saw them bag their first maximum in only the second heat as Tom Perry and Danny Phillips showed Cradley's depth of talent.

Clegg then bagged his first win in the following heat to start what would be a good night for him.

His intentions were highlighted in heat five when he overcame a 15 metre penalty for breaking the starting tape to battle into second place behind team mate Nathan Greaves to make it another 5-1 for his side.

Faultless displays from skipper Paul Starke and Steve Worrell meant the Heathens crept slowly ahead of Stoke as the heats wore on.

The pass of the night arguably came from Matt Williamson in heat six. Stoke's Armstrong, taking a tactical ride, bagged second spot behind Starke only to see that contest's points shared when Williamson pinched third place from Rob Shuttleworth with a brilliant last-bend overtake.

Successive Heathen 1-2s in heats eight, nine and ten saw them edge clear of the visitors.

From there they never looked back and won all remaining heats with another impressive display.

CRADLEY: Paul Starke (12), Matt Williamson (6+1), Max Clegg (14+1), Nathan Greaves (7+1), Steve Worrall (12+1), Tom Perry (7), Danny Phillips (6+2).

STOKE: Ben Wilson (9), Chris Widman (2+2), Ben Hopwood (7), Lee Payne (2), Jon Armstrong (8), Rob Shuttleworth (0), Adam Kirby (2).