GMB Mavericks 26 Boston 66

Karl Mason suffered a first-heat injury, and with number one Scott Pegler already absent, there was little hope for the Newport GMB Mavericks against Conference League title challengers Boston at the Hayley Stadium yesterday.

Mason, who failed to score for the Wasps in their Premier League win over King's Lynn in the double- header afternoon, was left on crutches after falling when a chain snapped and threw him from his machine.

It was a cruel start for the Mavericks because Mason, set for a hospital visit to check out the damage, was in a 5-1 situation with Jamie Westacott, being used as rider replacement for Pegler.

But in the re-run Boston's number one, Richard Hall, got his act together to gain the first of his five heat wins as Boston romped to victory by a 40-point margin and waltzed away with the bonus point, something they achieved before half the heats had been completed following a 67-24 win at their adopted King's Lynn home.

Mavericks gained only two heat firsts out of a possible 15, won by Westacott, riding as a heat leader for the first time, and Paul Candy.

They suffered nine maximum-heat setbacks, although in two they had tactical rides worth doubles, but on both occasions their riders finished third.

The only consolation for the understrength Mavericks can be that they will not come face to face with a side of such quality every week.

GMB Mavericks: Karl Mason 0 (1), Scott Pegler (rider replacement), Paul Candy 10 (6), Russell Barnett 0 (4), Jamie Westacott 10 (6), Matthew Tutton 4 (7), Billy Legg 2 (6).

Boston: Richard Hall 15 (5), Richie Dennis 4+1 (4), Rob Hollingworth 8+2 (4), Darren Rolph 11+1 (4), David McAllan 8+3 (4), James Cockle 14+1 (5), Wayne Dunworth 6+2 (4).