HEATHENS star Lewis Blackbird lifted the F.A.S.T Golden Hammer on a memorable night in front of a bumper crowd at Monmore Green.

The in-form Dudley man held his nerve in the final heat to edge victory by a single point and become the first home rider to win the prestigious event since it returned in 2010.

And he was delighted after adding yet another trophy to his growing collection before dedicating the win to the Heathens supporters.

Said Blackbird: “I'm absolutely over the moon - it was great to win that, everything is going well for me and my hard work is starting to pay off.

“It's a nice one to win for the fans. They've given me a warm welcome this year and made it one of the best years of my racing career, so that's for them."

Despite taking victory, Blackbird was pushed all the way by Kyle Newman and Steve Worrall who both ended just one off the top spot on thirteen points, with Newman taking second place following a run-off.

Two of the pre-meeting favourites Paul Starke and Ashley Morris both saw their chances all but ended by opening ride falls, although they both battled back to end just outside the top three on eleven.

Talented Australian Brady Kurtz also notched eleven having been involved in some exciting racing, whilst the likes Darryl Ritchings, James Sarjeant, Max Clegg and Dan Greenwood all put in solid displays on a night of close action.

F.A.S.T. GOLDEN HAMMER, at Dudley
1. Lewis Blackbird 14 (Dudley/Scunthorpe)
2. Kyle Newman 13 (Somerset) after a run off
3. Steve Worrall 13 (King's Lynn Young Stars)

Other scores: Paul Starke 11, Ashley Morris 11, Brady Kurtz 11, Darryl Ritchings 8, James Sarjeant 7, Max Clegg 6, Kyle Hughes 5, Dan Greenwood 5, Robert Branford 5, Gareth Isherwood 4, Max Ruml 4, Nathan Greaves 2, Luke Chessell 0.