Wimbledon 60 - 34 Sittingbourne

SITTINGBOURNE AC Associates Crusaders are still searching for their first win in the speedway Conference League after a battling defeat at high-flying Wimbledon Dons on Wednesday.

However, there were positives to take from the meeting, especially a sensational debut performance by Lee Dicken.

The 26-year-old stormed to two early wins, defeating both the home skipper 'Buzz' Burrows and number one Scot James.

Dicken's victory over Burrows, who is usually unstoppable at his Plough Lane circuit, saw him record the fastest time of the season at the London track.

But support for the debutant limited. Falls cost Stefan de Groot and Ricky Scarboro and captain Andre Cross was unluck to be denied points on the line in a thrilling heat six clash with Danny Betson.

New team manager Chris Hunt tried to redress the mid-meeting deficit by pitching Dicken in as a tactical sub over 15 metres in heat eight, but the handicap proved too much for the new boy, depsite his imperious form.

Hunt also deserves credit for sticking with Carl Downs, who recorded his first ever win as a Crusader in the penultimate race of the night.

Crusaders scorers: Lee Dicken 14 + 1; Ricky Scarboro 7; Andre Cross 6; Carl Downs 3; Mark Baseby 2; Daniel Blake 1 + 1; Stefan de Groot 1.