STORM had to be content with runners-up position as Cradley successfully defended the National League Fours at Brandon on Sunday.
The frustration for Storm was the fact that they had beaten Heathens by a clear five points in the semi-finals.
But their Black Country rivals edged out Kent to take the second qualifying place and then raised their game for the final eight races with three of their riders going unbeaten at that stage of the event.
Storm led the Final after two races as Cradley’s but mechanical trouble for Stefan Nielsen in the next race followed by a fall for Dan Greenwood in Heat 4 allowed the Heathens to build a lead.
Nathan Greaves secured victory for Cradley with a fast start from the outside to win Heat 6, but second place was still up for grabs between three teams with one race to go.
Sarjeant was left at the back from the start but moved past Stokes for third on the run to the finish line, which ensured a level score with Mildenhall for second overall, setting up a run-off.
In the event, Sarjeant’s race against Josh Bates proved to be a brief one as the Fen Tigers youngster ploughed into the fence on turn two, meaning Sarjeant was awarded race victory and the Storm second place overall.
Storm manager Laurence Rogers said: “We warmed our bikes up at 2.30pm and we were ready to race, but unfortunately some of the other teams weren’t.
“The track was spongy but all credit to the track staff for pulling it back, it rode superbly and one of the visiting riders came up to me and said it was perfect
“Stefan rode through the pain barrier all afternoon because that was a nasty knock he took when he got clouted into the fence in his first race
“Cradley will be very high after winning, and well done to them. But we want to bounce back on Wednesday in the play-off Final, and we can’t wait for that one.”
