CRADLEY suffered their first home defeat of the National League season as they went down 49-40 to co-tenants Birmingham at Perry Barr.
The injury-hit Heathens put in a brave effort against their in-form local rivals but were unable to hold on to their spot at the top of the table following a narrow loss.
With both Nathan Greaves and Michael Neale sidelined, Will Pottinger’s side were heavily depleted as they faced the powerful Brummies.
Yet they fought hard to remain within touching distance throughout before Birmingham stormed clear to record 5-1s in the final two races and snatch all four points.
Team boss Pottinger admits they were bitterly disappointed to suffer their second successive defeat – but he has called on them to regroup ahead of their next National League meeting at home to Stoke on July 8.
Said Pottinger: “We are immensely disappointed with the result – we weren’t far away again, we were just a point or three behind the whole meeting until the 5-1 in heat 14 killed us.
“There was no comeback from that, and it was really disappointing to lose out at the end after working so hard to keep in the meeting.
“We seem to be going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment, with one injury or one mechanical problem after another. It’s unfortunate but we just have to keep working hard and try to get through it.
“We have a challenge meeting against Exeter on Friday down at Somerset, but then we have some time off so we’ll have chance to regroup and hopefully come back stronger.”
Skipper Max Clegg and popular middle order man Ellis Perks put in strong showings against the Brummies’ powerhouse top three, accounting for five of the Heathens’ six race wins.
Perks in particular continued his upturn in form with an all-action showing, whilst Matt Williamson put in a solid display in the No.5 race jacket.
Arron Mogridge made a useful contribution, but Luke Harris experienced another hectic evening as he was forced to take seven rides after reserve partner Tyler Govier withdrew.
The debutant crashed heavily in his opening ride, and although he took to the track twice more he was forced to withdraw leaving the already depleted Heathens short on lower order strength.
CITY GEARBOXES NATIONAL LEAGUE CRADLEY 40: Ellis Perks 13, Max Clegg 11, Matt Williamson 8+1, Arron Mogridge 5+2, Luke Harris 3+1, Tyler Govier 0, Nathan Greaves r/r BIRMINGHAM 49: Zach Wajtknecht 14, Adam Ellis 11+1, Adam Kirby 9+3, Tom Perry 9, Sam Chapman 4+1, Alex Wilson 2+1, Sean Phillips 0 National League points: Cradley 0 Birmingham 4
