DUDLEY Heathens suffered a 64-27 thrashing at the hands of National League title hopefuls Stoke at Monmore on Tuesday.

And despite the loss of reserve duo Danny Stoneman (arm) and Richard Franklin (shoulder) in their first ride, there is no doubt the Potters were the better side.

The only joy which came the way of the former Cradley club was Jon Armstrong’s six-points as a tactical ride and a fine win by Ashley Morris in his fourth outing.

Club bosses are sweating on the fitness of their reserves ahead of next week’s home meeting with Buxton and an update will be issued later on Wednesday.

Stoke covered superbly for Tim Webster, who was unavailable, scoring 9+1 from his four riders which was far superior to his effort in the cup tie at Monmore back in June.

Heathens chairman Nigel Pearson said: “We are all gutted by this defeat but naturally our first thoughts are with the injured boys and we hope they will be fit for next week.

“But there were also other areas of the team where we were outclassed and we have to offer our congratulations to Stoke.

“We would like to say thanks to our wonderful fans once again, they could have gone home well before Heat 15 but they stayed with us. That’s why the lads came out to applaud the supporters afterwards, they appreciate the backing.

“As a gesture of thanks, we are offering free admission to children at next Tuesday’s home meeting with Buxton, which we are absolutely desperate to win after this recent run of results.”

DUDLEY: Ashley Morris 8, Jon Armstrong 7, Jamie Courtney 5, Tom Perry 4, Darryl Ritchings 3, Richard Franklin 0, Danny Stoneman 0.

STOKE: Simon Lambert 17+1, Jaimie Pickard 14+1, Tony Atkin 12+2, James Sarjeant 10+1, Gareth Isherwood 7+2, Ben Reade 4+2.