CRADLEY took a massive step towards retaining their National League title by beating Coventry Storm at Monmore tonight.

The Heathens won the hard-fought contest 57-35 to get revenge against the third-placed team that beat them earlier in the season.

Cradley were in determined mood from the start and it only took until the second heat for them to bag their first maximum of the night when Nathan Greaves was followed home by Danny Phillips.

Despite the Heathens winning all but one of the first seven heats, Coventry were still in the contest approaching the half way stage.

Sefan Nielson claimed the away side's first victory in heat three on what would be a good night for him.

A crucial moment came when Cradley drew away with a 5-1 in heat nine when Max Clegg claimed the win ahead of team mate Tom Perry.

The home side weren't going to give away their lead from that point and asserted their strength as the match-up drew to a close.

Cradley wrapped things up in style by claiming 5-1 wins in the final three heats of the night.

The Starke and Worrall combination was responsible two of those wins as the Heathens continue to fly high at the top of the table.

CRADLEY 57: Paul Starke 15, Steve Worrall 10+2, Max Clegg 9+1, Nathan Greaves 9+1, Danny Phillips 6+2, Tom Perry 5+1, Matt Williamson 3

COVENTRY 35: Stefan Nielsen 15, Dan Greenwood 6+1, James Sarjeant 5, Oliver Greenwood 4+2, Ryan Terry-Daley 3+1, Martin Knuckey 2, Luke Crang r/r