CRADLEY overcame a strong Exeter Falcons side to emerge with a 50-40 victory in their challenge meeting at the Oak Tree Arena.

The patched up Heathens put in a confidence-boosting performance to come out on top in an entertaining clash in Somerset.

Former skipper Ashley Morris returned to strike a faultless four-ride maximum as he made a one-off return to Cradley colours as a late guest replacement for Max Clegg.

Fellow guest Danny Ayres also played a vital role with an impressive display down at reserve.

Heathens regulars Ellis Perks and Matt Williamson impressed from heat-leader positions, with the pair wrapping up an excellent night with a 5-1 in the final race.

Perks was involved in some scintillating action as he continued his recent good form to notch paid 15 whilst Williamson raced to three superb race wins to also bag double figures.

Arron Mogridge did endure a tough night around the fast, sweeping Oak Tree Arena circuit whilst Adam Sheppard struggled as he stepped in at reserve.

Meanwhile, Cradley No.8 Tyler Govier added a solid 2+2 from three rides as he rode for Exeter, his hometown club.

It was a night with plenty of encouraging signs for the Heathens, and team boss Will Pottinger was pleased to come away with a victory after their two recent National League defeats.

Pottinger said: “It was a morale-boosting win, because the lads have been a bit down after the last two meetings.

“It was an enjoyable evening, all the lads put in a good shift and it was great to get the win because Exeter did put out a very strong team.

“It was good to see Ellis (Perks) and Matt (Williamson) doing a great job in heats 13 and 15, Danny Ayres came in and did a great job for us at reserve and it was brilliant to see Ashley Morris back in a Heathens race jacket winning races.

“It’s good to go into our next meeting against Stoke off the back of a win, albeit in a challenge match, and hopefully we can be back to our best to get three National League points against Stoke.”

Cradley will be back in action on Wednesday, July 8 as they aim to get their National League season back on track against Stoke at Perry Barr (7.30).

EXETER SELECT 40: Luke Chessell 10+1, Bradley Wilson-Dean 9+1, Rob Shuttleworth 7+1, Lee Payne 6+2, Daniel Halsey 6, Tyler Govier 2+2, Connor Coles 0

CRADLEY 50: Danny Ayres 13+1, Ellis Perks 12+3, Ashley Morris 12, Matt Williamson 11+1, Arron Mogridge 2+1, Adam Sheppard 0, Nathan Greaves r/r