CRADLEY fell agonisingly short of a consolation point as they slipped to a 36-29 defeat in a rain-shortened meeting at Rye House.
The Motor Market Heathens put up a brave fight at Hoddesdon, leading by one point after eight races, but the hosts came on strong with a trio of heat advantages before heavy rain caused proceedings to be called to a halt.
It was a disappointing night for Will Pottinger's side as they eventually left empty handed despite their determined effort - and Pottinger admitted they were left hugely frustrated.
He said: "It was unfortunate the rain came, we started off pretty well but when the rain started Rye House were the better team.
"The lads tried their best, but we just ran out of riders in the end and it was frustrating to just miss out on a point. It was a good effort, but just one of those nights where we didn't quite have enough."
Guesting No.5 Danny Ayres top scored for the Heathens with 9+1 from four rides including two wins in his opening two outings, whilst skipper Max Clegg bagged seven from three rides in the No.1 race jacket.
Arron Mogridge continued his strong run of form to notch seven, whilst reserve partner Luke Harris also added a hard-fought three points.
However, Ellis Perks and Michael Neale endured tough evenings, with Neale pulling out of his third ride after being involved in an awkward heat one crash and aggravating a thumb injury suffered in his crash against King's Lynn at Perry Barr on Wednesday.
The Heathens will now look to bounce back as they travel to Buxton next Sunday, September 6 before taking on Coventry at Brandon two days later.
RYE HOUSE 36: Robert Branford 9, Kyle Hughes 8, Luke Priest 7, Alfie Bowtell 5+1, George Hunter 4, Sam Woods 3, Luke Chessell r/r.
CRADLEY 29: Danny Ayres 9+1, Max Clegg 7, Arron Mogridge 7, Luke Harris 3, Ellis Perks 2+1, Michael Neale 1+1, Nathan Greaves r/r.
