NEWLY-FORMED Dudley Heathens endured a baptism of fire at Perry Barr on Wednesday - and have another injury concern ahead of next Tuesday's National League opener at Wolverhampton.

Already without Adam McKinna due to back bruising, Heathens lost their No.2 rider Ben Taylor after a spectacular accident in his first ride when he tangled with opponent Eddie Castro on the straight.

Taylor was able to walk off the track but was withdrawn from the remainder of the meeting with a wrist injury, and several of his team-mates suffered from first-night mechanical problems.

A big crowd turned out to witness the re-birth of the Heathens and there were certainly encouraging signs as five of the six remaining riders won at least one race, and the only one who did not, Tom Perry, gained in pace as the meeting went on.

But there was no denying the victory taken by the American tourists, who led for much of the match and look to have a real star of the future in 15-year-old Austin Novratil.

HEATHENS: Lee Smart 13+1, Richard Franklin 9, Tom Perry 6+3, Jake Anderson 5, Ashley Morris 4, James Sarjeant 3, Ben Taylor 0.

USA DREAM TEAM: Austin Novratil 10+2, Eddie Castro 10+2, Tyson Burmeister 8+1, Kenny Ingalls 8, Gino Manzares 6+1, Tim Gomez 6+1, Josh Abbott 2+1.