DUDLEY kicked-off their KO Cup campaign in perfect style with a 55-39 victory over Buxton at Monmore.

Three 5-1s in the opening seven races put Heathens firmly in control, before they nullified two Buxton tactical rides in Heats 9 and 11 to leave the side well placed ahead of the second leg in Derbyshire on June 23.

And boss Will Pottinger was pleased with the display.

He said: "We're really happy with how things went, and we looked a lot better than we did in our last home meeting where we threw a lot of points away.

"It was good to get another home meeting under our belt and we're looking forward to getting back on track against Coventry next Tuesday."

Paul Starke top scored for the former Cradley club with a classy 16, whilst skipper Ashley Morris also scored a hard-fought 11+1.

But Gareth Isherwood and youngster Max Clegg stole the show with outstanding performances to make up for the absence of in-form ace Lewis Blackbird.

DUDLEY 55: Paul Starke 16, Gareth Isherwood 12+2, Max Clegg 11+1, Ashley Morris 11+1, Nathan Greaves 4+1, Dan Greenwood 1+1, Lewis Blackbird R/R

BUXTON 39: Charles Wright 15, Adam McKinna 9, Tony Atkin 8, Tom Woolley 5+3, Matt Williamson 2, Tyler Govier 0, Ryan Blacklock R/R