CRADLEY's unbeaten start to 2016 came to an end as they suffered a 55-35 defeat at the hands of reigning champions Birmingham on Wednesday night.

The Motor Market Heathens anticipated a stern test against their local rivals who had won their four previous fixtures in convincing style.

While the Heathens won their fair share of heats at Perry Barr, failure to register a single race advantage proved very costly for the former Dudley Wood outfit.

Heathens Star Luke Chessell said: "We knew coming to Birmingham was going to be tough; they're in great form, they've got a super strong team and credit to them.

"It's important that we don't dwell too much at all on tonight's result - we need to wipe it out of our minds and focus on our next meeting.

"We've got King's Lynn at home next Monday - that's going to be another challenge for the team but hopefully we can keep our unbeaten start at home going."

Chessell, Ashley Morris and skipper Max Clegg were the only three riders to secure heat victories for the Heathens as the top trio all continued their powerful individual starts to the season.

While both Jack Kingston and Ben Basford deserved more points for their efforts after making some eye-catching gates, it was another tough night for Bradley Andrews and James Purchase who was struggling from a knock picked up against Rye House last week.

The Motor Market Heathens are back in action at Monmore Green on Monday (April 25) as they host King's Lynn in the Travel Plus National League.

BIRMINGHAM 55: Zach Wajtknecht 12+1, Tom Perry 11, Darryl Ritchings 10, Jack Parkinson-Blackburn 7+4, Danyon Hume 6+2, Tom Bacon 6+2, Jack Smith 3.

CRADLEY 35: Ashley Morris 10, Luke Chessell 9+1, Max Clegg 9, Jack Kingston 3+1, Bradley Andrews 2, Ben Basford 2, James Purchase 0.