Franklin defied injury to end up with 10 + 3 for the Heathens

Dudley Heathens reached top spot in the National League with a 54-41 success over Plymouth at Perry Barr.

Richard Franklin was in outstanding form after being passed fit to ride earlier in the day, chalking up 10 points from his five rides.

Jake Anderson and Tom Perry also reached double figures, Lee Smart adding eight and Micky Dyer seven.

"It's fair to say nobody really wants to face us in the play-offs," said Heathens team manager Will Pottinger.

"We are an in-form team, I was really pleased with that display - we need to carry this form forward to Wolverhampton on Tuesday in the Cup semi-final.

"If we are to make progress and reach the final we will need a useful lead from that - Buxton are the team to beat right now in my view."

It was far from a perfect night for Dudley, however, with reserve Ashley Morris suffering two nasty spills and mechanical problems afflicting skipper Lee Smart and Barrie Evans.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version