CRADLEY skipper Max Clegg struck a sublime paid maximum to lead the Heathens to a convincing 56-36 victory over Mildenhall in an incident-packed meeting at Perry Barr.

The popular youngster came from the back in his first two rides with a fine performance whilst Matt Williamson dropped his only points in his last race after a similarly impressive display.

It was another excellent night for Will Pottinger’s side, and Clegg was in a jubiliant mood after ensuring they extended their lead at the top of the National League table.

Said Clegg: “It was a mint night for me, and it was a really good win for the team over Mildenhall, who are never easy to beat.

“I’m really pleased with all the boys tonight, everyone gave it 100% and the hard work paid off with a big win to keep our good run going.”

The meeting opened with Michael Neale being named as a full Heathens asset, but there was then a lengthy delay to the start of racing due to an electrical failure affecting the starting-gate and various warning lights.

Cradley were much the better side although it took some time for them to assert their full superiority, but they were helped by a visiting team who often appeared to be attempting to race each other.

On three occasions Fen Tigers riders fell going into turn one causing their team-mate to take evasive action, although the Heathens were left frustrated in a kamikaze Heat 7 when both visitors came to grief to leave the home side clear only for Neale to fall on the last bend.

Ten points down, Mildenhall nominated Jack Kingston for double points in Heat 8 and he managed to split the home pairing off the final bend as he moved inside Ellis Perks, who had earlier picked himself up from a heavy back-straight spill.

But the Heathens added 5-1s in Heats 10 and 13 to ease clear, and Mildenhall’s hopes of a late rally were thwarted when leader Kingston fell in Heat 14 to trigger a three-man pile-up, before Clegg completed his maximum in the last race as Williamson missed out to Dan Halsey.

Heathens now head to Stoke on Saturday in the Knockout Cup, with the return at Perry Barr on May 27.

CRADLEY 56: Max Clegg 14+1, Matt Williamson 13, Nathan Greaves 10+1, Arron Mogridge 8+1, Michael Neale 5, Luke Haris 3+1, Ellis Perks 3.

MILDENHALL 36: Dan Halsey 10, Tom Bacon 9+1, Jack Kingston 6+1, Connor Mountain 6, Connor Coles 3+1, Jeremy Pestell 2+1, Liam Rumsey r/r.