SAINTS moved to the top of the National League by banking a bumper six point haul from Thursday’s double-header at Owlerton.

The team, which is a collaboration of Sheffield and Scunthorpe who split their home matches between the two venues, came out on top in clashes with Buxton and Stoke on a busy night of racing for the riders.

They faced a late fightback from Buxton in the opening match, with Saints’ 38-22 lead whittled back by a tactical ride 8-1 for the Hitmen, led by Jason Garrity, in Heat 11.

But a 4-2 from Steve Worrall and Adam Wrathall in Heat 14 made virtually sure of all three points, which was confirmed in the last race although Ashley Birks saw his hopes of a maximum ended by Adam Allott and Robert Branford.

Against Stoke, the Saints again had their healthy early lead pegged back and this time the visitors actually took the advantage, going one point up thanks to a 5-1 in Heat 11.

But Richie Worrall was in outstanding form, and 5-1s alongside Gary Irving in Heat 12 and brother Steve two races later put the Saints back in control.

They needed a share in the last race to confirm maximum points, and they finished with a flourish as Steve Worrall and Irving edged out regular Sheffield senior rider Simon Lambert in a terrific climax to the action.

SHEFFIELD 50: Ashley Birks 13, Gary Irving 9+3, Steve Worrall 9, Richie Worrall 9+2, Greg Blair 4+1, Adam Wrathall 4, Paul Cooper 2.

BUXTON 43: Jason Garrity 12+1, Adam Allott 11+1, Robert Branford 8+3, Luke Priest 6, Dean Felton 4+1, Paul Burnett 2, Ryan Blacklock 0.

SHEFFIELD 50: Richie Worrall 18+1, Steve Worrall 12+2, Gary Irving 10+4, Paul Cooper 4, Adam Wrathall 3, Ashley Birks 3, Greg Blair 0.

STOKE 39: Simon Lambert 9+1, Tony Atkin 8, Jaimie Pickard 7, James Sarjeant 6+1, Tim Webster 5+1, Gareth Isherwood 3+1, Ben Reade 1.