KING’S LYNN 43 CRADLEY 47 CRADLEY have one hand on the Knockout Cup trophy after they snatched a dramatic 47-43 victory over King’s Lynn in their Grand Final first leg at Saddlebow Road. The Heathens made the trip to Norfolk without star man Steve Worrall after confirmation he broke his wrist in his play-off final crash at Monmore Green 24 hours earlier. However, the former Dudley Wood outfit put in a determined display to snatch a memorable win at the death in spectacular circumstances. They entered the final two races trailing by four points – yet they struck back to back 5-1s in the final two races with talented youngsters Max Clegg and Nathan Greaves performing heroics in a nervy last heat decider. In-form middle order man Clegg had been in fine form throughout the night, showing maturity beyond his mere 17 years to step up in the absence of Worrall and lead the side with a marvellous paid maximum. He team-rode home in fine style alongside Tom Perry to draw the Heathens level in heat three before two more composed wins in his next two outings. When colleague Greaves – battling an ankle injury - brilliantly forced his way past James Cockle on the final lap of heat 11 it moved Will Pottinger’s side back within two to set up a tantalising finale. With tensions running high, young reserve Danny Phillips brilliantly held his nerve to fend off King’s Lynn pair Scott Campos and Marc Owen to join Tom Perry at the front for a crucial 5-1. That set up a nervy last-heat decider, and it was up to talented youngsters Clegg and Greaves to duly deliver a dramatic maximum to ensure they snatched their 23rd consecutive victory in all competitions. Clegg in particular was made to work hard in the final race as he charged into second place alongside his partner on the final lap to ensure he ended an incredible night unbeaten by an opponent. With the teenage duo both impressive plus local lad Perry notching two vital race wins, the Heathens just came out on top to put themselves in a superb position ahead of next Tuesday’s second leg at Monmore Green. KING’S LYNN 43: James Cockle 14, Simon Lambert 11+1, Scott Campos 8+1, Tom Stokes 7+1, Marc Owen 2+1, Josh Bailey 1+1, Darren Mallett R/R. CRADLEY 47: Max Clegg 13+2, Nathan Greaves 11, Tom Perry 7, Dan Halsey 6+1, Paul Starke 4, Danny Phillips 3+1, Matt Williamson 3.
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 20:28:43 +0000
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