DUDLEY Heathens have given themselves a chance of winning the National League Shield with a hard fought 53-37 win over Buxton at Wolverhampton on Tuesday.

Locally based teenager Ashley Morris scored a stunning 15-point maximum for the former Cradley club including back-to-back wins in the last two races to swing the tie heavily in Heathens’ favour.

New signing Adam Roynon continued his fine start to his Heathens career by dropping just one point to an opposing rider in five outings.

And guest Barrie Evans did a good job in place of the injured Jon Armstrong with a handy 9+1 contribution.

But Buxton threatened to keep it close with some determined racing from Adam Allott (10) and Rob Branford (8) and it needed three successive maximums to sway the tie in Heathens’ favour.

Boss Pottinger said: “I’m pleased with a 16-point lead because it was looking close for a big part of the meeting and we threw some points away.

“But to go to Buxton with an advantage like this gives us hope and encouragement that we can win the Shield which would be a great start to the season for us.

“And I’m really pleased for Ash (Morris), he was brilliant all night and Adam did a fantastic job for us again.”

The return is at Buxton’s Hi-Edge Raceway this Sunday at 3pm.

DUDLEY 53: Ashley Morris 15, Adam Roynon 13+1, Barrie Evans 9+1, Darryl Ritchings 6+1, Richard Franklin 5+1, Tom Perry 4, Luke Chessell 1.

BUXTON 37: Adam Allott 10, Rob Branford 8, Luke Priest 6+2, Ben Taylor 4, Dean Felton 4, John McPhail 4, Ryan Blacklock 1+1.