DUDLEY overcame a resilient Kent side to take a 53-39 victory over the Kings on an entertaining night at Monmore Green.

Despite entering the meeting as firm favourites, Heathens were made to work extremely hard to preserve their perfect home record before eventually securing all three National League points.

And after encountering plenty of misfortune, boss Will Pottinger was pleased to see his side emerge unscathed to take the win.

Said Pottinger: "I was sort of expecting us to be a bit slow to start with as we haven't ridden together as a team for three weeks, and with Kent winning their first meeting 24 hours earlier we knew it was going to be difficult.

"Thankfully we got the result in the end after a solid team performance. We got another three points, we remain unbeaten at home and move on to a busy weekend."

Skipper Ashley Morris was the star man for the former-Cradley club, reeling off four consecutive wins in his final four rides including a sensational last bend dive underneath Steve Boxall on the final lap of heat 15.

Lewis Blackbird and Paul Starke also made double figures to continue their strong form - although Blackbird was unable to take the Bronze Helmet from Boxall in their match race before the meeting got underway.

Dan Greenwood and Gareth Isherwood both battled hard to make vital contributions, whilst Nathan Greaves stepped up with a promising showing at reserve.

The hosts did notably feel the absence of his in-form reserve partner Max Clegg - and they will be hoping he makes a speedy recovery with a busy month ahead.

Dudley 53: Ashley Morris 14, Lewis Blackbird 11+1, Paul Starke 10+1, Nathan Greaves 8, Gareth Isherwood 5+2, Dan Greenwood 4+1, Lee Geary 1+1
Kent 39: Steve Boxall 14, Benji Compton 9, Ben Morley 7, Jack Kingston 6, David Mason 2+2, Connor Coles 1, Adam Kirby 0
National League points: Dudley 3 Kent 0

BRONZE HELMET
Steve Boxall (Kent) beat Lewis Blackbird (Dudley)