Scunthorpe Saints 54 Newport Hornets 39, NEWPORT Drillerman Hornets fell apart after a magnificent start in this National League clash tonight at Scunthorpe, where they gave debuts to new signings Brendan Johnson and Steven Jones.

In heat one of 15, Jones was partnered by the Hornets' new number-one heat leader in the shape of Todd Kurtz and they were up against home duo Byron Bekker (a guest) and Adam Wrathall, who was rider replacement for Richie Worrall.

Rain began to fall as Bekker got away first, but when he fell it left the door open for Kurtz and Jones to get the Hornets off to a perfect start by posting a 5-1 maximum.

Next up was Richard Andrews, who on Saturday competes against defending title-holder Johnson in the British Under-18s Championship at Rye House, and James White-Williams.

They were paired with home duo Wrathall and Stefan Nielsen and when White-Williams gated there was little or no doubt as to the race winner.

And with Andrews going round Nielsen on the final turn, it was a another 5-1 to the visitors to make it 10-2.

However matters took a turn for the worse for the visitors and by the end of heat seven, they had been pegged back at 25-25 by the home team.

It didn't get any better as three consecutive 5-1s put Scunthorpe in control, although a 6-3 tactical-heat victory by skipper Jay Herne stopped the rot.

However it was only a brief respite as Scunthorpe took heat 14 by 4-2 and although the Hornets managed to draw the final race, it was, nonetheless, a disappointing result considering the start they made.

Because he has been out of speedway over recent seasons, Jones did well enough - but Johnson would have wanted to do better than just one second-place finish from four rides.

Scunthorpe Saints 54: 1 - Byron Bekker (Belle Vue Colts, guest for Paul Cooper) 2+1(3); 2 - Rider replacement for Richie Worrall; 3 - Steve Worrall 8+3(5); 4 - Gary Irving 17(6); 5 - Ashley Birks 13+2(5); 6 - Adam Wrathall 9(6); 7 - Stefan Nielsen 5+1(5).

Newport Hornets 39: 1 - Todd Kurtz 7+1(5): 2 - Steve Jones 5+1(4); 3 - Brendan Johnson 2(4); 4 - Matt Bates 6(4); 5 - Jay Herne (capt) 12(5); 6 - Richard Andrews 3+1(4); 7 - James White-Williams 4+1(4).

Friday's results. Elite League: Coventry Bees 56 Swindon Robins 37; Lakeside Hammers 40 Poole Pirates 38; Peterborough Panther 54 Belle Vue Aces 20 (abandoned after 12 heats, result stands). British Premier League: Edinburgh Monarch 55 Rye House Rockets 27; Plymouth Devils 47 Redcar Bears 43. BPL Knockout Cup, quarter-final, first leg: Somerset Rebels 46 Newcastle Diamonds 44. National League: Scunthorpe Saints 54 Newport Drillerman Hornets 39.