DUDLEY Heathens claimed a consolation point from their 46-44 defeat in a National League thriller at Rye House on Saturday.

Will Pottinger's men kept the scores close throughout the meeting with a brave and consistent display at one of the toughest venues in the country.

Skipper Lee Smart was once again impressive with 11 and Jake Anderson continued his recent improvement with a handy 8-point haul.

Heathens were 34-32 down but were level at 42-42 going into a last heat decider in front of plenty of travelling fans from the Black Country - including a coachload from Cradley Heath.

But the Cobras pulled off a 4-2 in the last to edge the match and send the Rye House fans home happy.

Boss Pottinger said: "I'd have taken a point before the meeting but after getting into a position to win the meeting it's a shame we didn't.

"It was a great effort by all the boys, even Ashley (Morris) who didn't score but he can look forward to a good meeting at Scunthorpe on Monday.

"I've never know emotion like it building up to that last race. All the boys really appreciated the travelling support from the Cradley and Dudley area, we couldn't have done it without them."

RYE HOUSE 46: Jamie Smith 13+1, Mark Owen 12+2, Lee Strudwick 6+1, Ben Morley 5+1, Kyle Hughes 4+1, David Mason 3+1, Shane Hazelden 3.

DUDLEY 44: Lee Smart 11, Jake Anderson 8, Richard Franklin 7+1, Tom Perry 6+2, Jon Armstrong 6+1, James Sarjeant 6, Ashley Morris 0.