DUDLEY Heathens went close to a sensational win at Plymouth on Friday – but they had to settle for a consolation point.

Will Pottingers men went down 49-43 with reserve Tom Perry in fine form on his first ever visit to the Devon track. He notched 13+2 from seven outings to delight the visiting fans from the Black Country who had made the long trip down the M5.

Heathens kept the scores close for the bulk of the meeting despite the loss of reserve Darryl Ritchings who was leading Heat 2 before crashing out of the race. He took no further part in the meeting thanks to bad bruising.

Going into the last race Heathens still had a chance of at least a draw but veteran duo Seemond Stephens and Mark Simmonds had the last word for the Devils.

Boss Pottinger said: “I’m happy with a point, the track as good for gaters and we aren’t a team of gaters so we did well to get a point.

“Darryl was looking good when he was leading Heat 2 when he took off and he is battered and bruised. Overall we can feel satisfied with our efforts, we are mainly a young team.”

PLYMOUTH: Mark Simmonds 12+1, Seemond Stephens 12, Paul Starke 8+1, David Gough 6+1, Lee Smethills 5+1, Matt Bates 4+1, Jaimie Pickard 2.

DUDLEY: Tom Perry 13+2, Lee Smart 10, Jon Armstrong 8, Jake Andersen 7, Ashley Morris 3+2, Richard Franklin 2+1, Darryl Ritchings 0.