STOKE rounded off their National Trophy campaign with a resounding 55-35 win over Buxton at Loomer Road.

The A.R.Richards Ltd Potters confirmed second place in the group as they completed their 2016 domination over the Hitmen with a fourth win out of four over their local rivals.

Coventry star Mitchell Davey turned out to be the ideal choice of guest for the unavailable Ben Wilson as he surged to a 15-point maximum, and skipper Tony Atkin was also unbeaten from his four outings.

With strong support from Danny Phillips with paid-13, the Potters were always in control and also outscored their opponents at reserve – an area where Hitmen boss Jason Pipe had hoped to capitalise – despite a lively show from the improving Joe Lawlor.

But Chris Hay won his first two rides and Paul Burnett was solid after a Heat 2 spill, all of which meant the Hitmen were reduced to just three heat wins, two of them from veteran Lee Dicken.

The visitors were unfortunate when Jack Parkinson-Blackburn came to grief when leading Heat 5, although the teenager did team up with Dicken for their only major success, a 5-1 in Heat 11.

But by that stage the Potters were already 20 points to the good, and they immediately hit back through Atkin and Burnett in Heat 12 to emphasise their superiority.

Stoke boss Malcolm Vasey said: “That was a convincing performance from the team, we were comfortable throughout and it’s always good to get the better of Buxton with the local rivalry.

“I’d like to thank Mitchell for such a superb performance as a guest, and I’m delighted with the overall display, with two riders unbeaten.

“It’s been another tough year but it’s nice to finish off with some form, and hopefully we can continue that in next Saturday’s double-header.”

Stoke complete their home campaign against King’s Lynn (5.30pm) and Mildenhall next Saturday, whilst prior to that Phillips and Hay represent the club in the National League Pairs at King’s Lynn on Sunday (3.30pm).

STOKE 55: Mitchell Davey 15, Tony Atkin 12, Danny Phillips 11+2, Chris Hay 8, Paul Burnett 7+2, Shaun Tedham 2, Ben Hopwood r/r.

BUXTON 35: Lee Dicken 11, Joe Lawlor 9+1, Jack Parkinson-Blackburn 7+2, Conor Dwyer 3, Ryan Burton 3, Lee Geary 2, Shelby Rutherford r/r.