DUDLEY Heathens won local bragging rights with a 49-41 victory over Wolves in the BBC WM Trophy at Monmore Green.

The in-form Heathens put in battling display in front of a bumper crowd to come out on top against a strong Wolverhampton select line-up.

And team boss Will Pottinger was delighted to see his side take victory.

He said: "I'm really happy with that performance - Wolves were handicapped when they lost Tom Perry due to a shoulder injury early on, but it was up to us to take advantage of that.

"The top three put in a really good performance as usual, Dan Greenwood looked a lot better and the reserves chipped in as well, so it was an encouraging evening."

Ironically, it was Wolves asset Ashley Morris who led the former-Cradley club with a majestic display from the No.1 position. The Heathens skipper was involved in some exciting racing - most notably a memorable third to first ride in heat 13 to seal victory.

Lewis Blackbird also bagged eight points despite a fall in his final ride - yet it was Paul Starke who top scored with a classy performance which included three race wins.

Youngster Nathan Greaves put in a very encouraging showing to notch paid eight, whilst his reserve partner Max Clegg also put in a solid return despite two falls whilst pushing hard for extra points.

Middle order man Dan Greenwood worked extremely hard for his points as he continues to get back up to speed following his shoulder injury, whilst Gareth Isherwood made a useful contribution at No.2.

Supporters were also treated to an exiting second-half meeting, with Lewis Blackbird taking victory in the Gary Peterson Memorial Trophy.

WOLVERHAMPTON 41: Rob Branford 12, James Sarjeant 9, Damien Koppe 8, Joe Haines 7+1, Tom Woolley 3, Tom Perry 1+1, Hayden Sims 1+1.

DUDLEY 49: Paul Starke 12+1, Ashley Morris 12, Lewis Blackbird 8, Nathan Greaves 6+2, Dan Greenwood 4+1, Max Clegg 4, Gareth Isherwood 3+2.

GARY PETERSON MEMORIAL TROPHY:
1 Lewis Blackbird
2 Ashley Morris
3 Robert Branford
4 Paul Starke