CRADLEY extended their lead at the top of the National League table with a hard fought 41-37 win at Kent on Monday.
Heathens have still only lost one meeting all season and went into the meeting without three key riders - Max Clegg, Tom Perry and Matt Williamson - due to a clash of fixtures.
Ben Hopwood proved to be a fine choice of guest by manager Will Pottinger as he top scored with 12-points with Steve Worrall notching 11+1 and Paul Starke 8.
Young reserve Nathan Greaves saw his score hit by crashes and retirements but he did win a race on his second choice of bike.
Said Pottinger: "This was a fantastic effort from such a depleted side.
"I wasn't happy about having to go there with half a team, but Ben Hopwood was a great guest for us.
"We move on to our next home meeting at Wolverhampton against Coventry next Tuesday which I expect to be the toughest meeting of the season. We will be at full strength for that and we need to be."
KENT 37: Simon Lambert 12, Benji Compton 10+1, Aaron Baseby 6+1, Ben Morley 6+1, Danny Ayres 2+2, Jason Garrad 1+1, David Mason R/R.
CRADLEY 41: Ben Hopwood 12, Steve Worrall 11+1, Paul Starke 8, Nathan Greaves 4, Dan Greenwood 3+1, Danny Phillips 3+1, Matt Williamson R/R.
