DUDLEY tasted defeat in the league for only the second time this season as they slipped to a 48-42 defeat against arch rivals Mildenhall at West Row.

A battling effort from the Heathens helped create a thrilling National League encounter between two sides heading for the play-offs - with Dudley taking a point for their troubles.

The result may have been different had reserve changes been utilised - but team boss Will Pottinger has defended his decision to give all riders four outings to ensure they earn as much track time as possible ahead of some big fixtures.

He said: "Obviously we are disappointed to lose, but like the defeat at Kent it's not going to make or break our season.

"We could have made changes a few times but we chose not to as we felt it was important to give all the lads four races as they try to build some confidence ahead of the play-offs.

"I won't hesitate to make changes in more important meetings such as the play-offs and the KO Cup but I felt it wasn't worth knocking riders' confidence by taking them out of rides today.

"In a way it may be a bit of a wake up call for the lads to let them know we can't just turn up and win - we need everyone at their best if we are going to win trophies this season."

Lewis Blackbird stormed to another big score - dropping just one point as he returned to his former club - whilst skipper Ashley Morris also recorded three race wins with a strong showing.

Down at reserve, Dan Greenwood continued his upturn in form with a determined performance to end with paid double figures.

Yet Paul Starke endured a frustrating evening at No.1, and with Max Clegg, Gareth Isherwood and Nathan Greaves all suffering meetings to forget the former-Cradley club were unable to snatch victory.

MILDENHALL 48: Daniel Halsey 14+1, Stefan Nielsen 11, Jon Armstrong 10+1, Liam Rumsey 8+3, Aaron Baseby 3+2, Connor Mountain 2+1, Josh Bates R/R.

DUDLEY 42: Lewis Blackbird 13+1, Ashley Morris 11, Daniel Greenwood 9+1, Paul Starke 6, Nathan Greaves 2, Max Clegg 1, Gareth Isherwood 0.