COVENTRY Storm experienced a night to forget as they slumped to a 63-28 defeat against high-flying Cradley in their Knockout Cup semi-final first leg.
The Storm simply had no answer to the rampant Heathens as they suffered a heavy loss which leaves their Cup dreams all but over.
It was a hugely disappointing night for the Brandon outfit as they managed only one race win on a difficult night.
That victory came from skipper James Sarjeant, as he prevailed in an exciting battle with youngster Max Clegg to take the chequered flag in heat nine.
Sarjeant had provided valiant resistance throughout the evening, taking second place with a tactical ride in heat six on his way to double figures.
However, he received minimal support as Storm were hit hard by the absence of Stefan Nielsen, with rider replacement yielding just one point in his place.
Dan Greenwood did start brightly against his former club, yet he suffered a blown engine whilst taking the second Coventry tactical ride in heat eight.
Namesake Ollie Greenwood also struggled despite his best efforts, and although Martin Knuckey added a creditable five points at reserve the visitors were well beaten.
It was a frustrating night all-around for the Storm, and team boss Laurence Rogers could not hide his disappointment.
Said Rogers: "It was a very disappointing night for us, and not the result we were looking for at all.
"The Cradley boys are just a awesome around here. They have their setups nailed on and they are extremely hard to beat at home.
"We missed Stefan Nielsen badly, getting just one point from his rider replacement rides.
"We had some bad luck with Dan Greenwood suffering a blown engine in heat eight when he took a tactical ride.
"Martin Knuckey gave it 110% which was a positive to take from it, but overall it was a night to forget and we've just got to try and put it behind us."
NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP SEMI FINAL, 1st leg CRADLEY 63: Paul Starke 15, Steve Worrall 13+2, Tom Perry 9+2, Nathan Greaves 8+2, Max Clegg 8+1, Matt Williamson 6+1, Danny Phillips 4 COVENTRY 28: James Sarjeant 10+1, Oliver Greenwood 6, Dan Greenwood 5, Martin Knuckey 5, Ryan Terry-Daley 1+1, Luke Priest 1 ,Stefan Nielsen R/R
Bronze Helmet: Steve Worrall (Cradley) beat James Sarjeant (Coventry)
CRADLEY 63 Steve Worrall 3 3 3 2* 2* = 13+2 Nathan Greaves 2* 1 3 2* = 8+2 Max Clegg 1 3 2 2* = 8+1 Tom Perry 3 2* 1* 3 = 9+2 Paul Starke 3 3 3 3 3 = 15 Matt Williamson 0 1 0 3 2* = 6+1 Danny Phillips 3 1 X = 4
CITY GEARBOXES STORM 28 Oliver Greenwood 1 1 2 1 1 = 6 Stefan Nielsen Rider Replacement Luke Priest 0 F F 1 0 = 1 Dan Greenwood 2 2 R^ X 1 0 = 5 James Sarjeant 2 4^ 3 1* 0 = 10+1 Ryan Terry-Daley 1* 0 0 = 1+1 Martin Knuckey 2 0 0 2 1 0 = 5
