CRADLEY stormed to a stunning 63-28 victory over Midlands neighbours Coventry in the first leg of their Knockout Cup semi-final at Monmore Green.

The flying Heathens put in another rampant display to establish a 35 point lead and seize control of the tie.

It was another spectacular performance from Will Pottinger's side, who continue to prove a dominant force in the National League in 2014.

And Pottinger was delighted to brush aside the Storm with a quite magnificent all-around team showing.

He said: "We are really chuffed with the result, and everyone played their part in another great team effort.

"We were led superbly by Steve (Worrall) and Paul (Starke), then we had a great middle order with Max (Clegg), Nathan (Greaves) and Tom (Perry) all riding well.

"Matt (Williamson) came good in the end, and we just hope Danny (Phillips) is okay after that nasty crash in heat eight when he was unlucky to be excluded.

"A 35 point lead for the second leg is a superb result, and we are going home happy after another excellent performance."

Formidable top two Paul Starke and Steve Worrall both went through the card with faultless displays to lead the side to a resounding win.

However, they received excellent support from throughout the side, with every Heathens rider recording at least one race win.

Youngster Nathan Greaves again notched paid double figures, joining forces with Worrall for two 5-1s, whilst Max Clegg was involved in some scintillating action on his way to 8+1.

Tom Perry also bagged 9+2, suffering just one defeat as he put in a classy performance to complete a supreme showing from the Cradley top five.

Down at reserve, Matt Williamson recovered from a difficult start to go unbeaten in his final two rides and help cover the loss of lower order partner Danny Phillips.

Phillips was forced to withdraw with a left hip injury after a heavy crash in heat eight as he tangled with Martin Knuckey and was controversially excluded by referee Dave Robinson.

It proved the only sour note on an otherwise outstanding evening for the Heathens as they aim to defend their Knockout Cup crown.

CRADLEY 63: Paul Starke 15, Steve Worrall 13+2, Tom Perry 9+2, Nathan Greaves 8+2, Max Clegg 8+1, Matt Williamson 6+1, Danny Phillips 4

COVENTRY 28: James Sarjeant 10+1, Oliver Greenwood 6, Dan Greenwood 5, Martin Knuckey 5, Ryan Terry-Daley 1+1, Luke Priest 1 ,Stefan Nielsen R/R

Bronze Helmet: Steve Worrall (Cradley) beat James Sarjeant (Coventry)