CRADLEY built up an eight point lead in the Knockout Cup tie with Stoke as they battled to a hard-fought 43-35 victory over the Potters at Loomer Road.
The Motor Market Heathens put in an excellent all-around team performance to seize the upper hand ahead of their second leg at Perry Barr on May 27.
Will Pottinger’s side picked up where they left off against Mildenhall on Wednesday night as they established a healthy advantage before a power failure saw the clash come to a premature halt after 13 races.
Skipper Max Clegg and the in-form Matt Williamson were particularly impressive as they notched double figures, although they received plenty of support throughout as they raced to their fifth successive win.
STOKE 35: Lee Payne 11, Jon Armstrong 6+1, Chris Widman 6, Danny Phillips 5+1, Ryan Terry-Daley 5+1, Ryan MacDonald 1+1, Paul Burnett 1.
CRADLEY 43: Max Clegg 14, Matt Williamson 13, Michael Neale 6, Ellis Perks 5+4, Arron Mogridge 4, Luke Harris 1+1, Nathan Greaves R/R.
