CRADLEY got back to winning ways as they overcame a strong Rye House side to earn a 49-41 win at Perry Barr.
The Motor Market Heathens bounced back from a slow start to come on strong and claim a hard-fought victory with a determined performance.
They were left short of their No.1 early on with Max Clegg stuck in traffic and missing his opening ride, but having trailed by two points after seven races they dug deep to add three more points to their tally in their final home fixture of the National League fixture.
After suffering a disappointing defeat at Buxton on Sunday, team boss Will Pottinger was delighted to see his side bounce back with a gutsy all-around team showing.
Pottinger said: "We were over the moon with that result because the circumstances before the meeting weren't ideal with Max being stuck in traffic, and we were really up against it.
"It was great to reward the fans with a victory, and it was important we bounced back after a couple of away defeats.
"We showed good character to get the win in what was a tough meeting. It was a good team effort, everyone scored good points and contributed so we were really happy."
Ellis Perks led the Heathens superbly with four classy race wins before emerging unscathed from a heavy tumble as he battled from a 15 metre handicap in heat 15.
He received excellent back-up from Arron Mogridge, who notched paid double figures on a hectic evening at reserve and was involved in two of the Heathens' three 5-1s.
Max Clegg also added two race wins after missing his opening ride and being excluded in heat six, although he lost his Bronze Helmet in a tense tussle with Rye House No.1 Robert Branford.
Michael Neale and Matt Williamson also recorded race wins, with Neale in particular putting in an impressive display at No.2, whilst Luke Harris fought hard for his two points at reserve.
It was a tremendous win for the Heathens in what was a tough encounter as they prepare for a mouth-watering Gold Cup semi-final with Birmingham.
They will take on their local rivals in the Brummies' home leg at Perry Barr next Wednesday (7.30) before hosting the second leg a week later.
In the meantime, Will Pottinger's side will look to end their National League campaign on a high as they face two away meetings on Sunday, first taking on Coventry (12pm) before clashing with Stoke (6pm) on the very same day.
CRADLEY 49: Ellis Perks 14, Arron Mogridge 9+3, Michael Neale 9+1, Max Clegg 8, Matt Williamson 7, Luke Harris 2, Nathan Greaves R/R.
RYE HOUSE 41:Robert Branford 11, Kyle Hughes 10+1, Luke Chessell 7+1, Alfie Bowtell 4, Luke Priest 4, Sam Woods 3, George Hunter 2+1.
BRONZE HELMET Robert Branford (Rye House) beat Max Clegg (Cradley, holder)
