JAKE Anderson became the first Heathens rider of the new era to score a maximum as the National League newcomers picked up a useful point from Sunday's trip to Buxton.

Anderson, who came into the team as a replacement for the injured Adam McKinna, followed up his fine display at Scunthorpe on Friday with a five-ride unbeaten haul.

Heathens had to go into the meeting without impressive reserve Tom Perry due to a prior grasstrack booking, and they battled hard after a nightmare start in which they went 10-2 down.

Anderson won a tactical ride for double points in Heat 7 to dent Buxton's momentum, but the home side went into the last two heats eleven points up.

Needing to reduce that to six to gain a League point, Heathens collected a 5-0 in Heat 14 when both Charles Wright and Robert Branford failed to finish - and then Anderson teamed up with skipper Lee Smart for a 5-1 in Heat 15 to leave the visitors just two points adrift at the end.

Manager Will Pottinger said: "Jake rode really well and I'm delighted to get a point here against a strong Buxton side, especially with a couple of our riders having bike problems. It's been a really positive start to the season for us."

BUXTON: Tony Atkin 11+1, Nick Morris 9+2, Lewis Dallaway 7, Adam Allott 6, Robert Branford 5+1, Charles Wright 5+1, James McBain 4+2.

DUDLEY: Jake Anderson 17+1, Lee Smart 11, Jon Armstrong 8, Richard Franklin 4, James Sarjeant 3+2, Darryl Ritchings 1, Ashley Morris 1.