FOR Sittingbourne Crusaders speedway team it was a case of win one, lose on at Marshbank on Saturday.

First up on an energy-sapping afternoon in the sunshine for the Crusaders were 2006 newcomers, the Cleveland Bays.

Crusaders came out on top 49-43 after a topsy-turvy battle thanks to Aaron Baseby and Dean Felton producing fine late rides.

Next up were the reigning Conference Fours champs, the Stoke Spitfires.

Sittingbourne were always facing an uphill task after their exertions in the first match and so it proved.

Felton battled gamely against one of his old clubs and Gary Cottham was right back in form reaching double figures, but for debutant Martin Elliott it was a match to forget.

When Elliott reared at the start of heat 14 it brought the curtain down on a forgettable match that the hig-flying Spitfires had dominated 54-29.