Plymouth took a major step towards reaching the final of the Conference knock-out cup when they beat Rye House 57-36 in the first leg of the semi-final at the St Boniface Arena on Friday evening.

That means they will have a useful 21-point lead to defend in the deciding leg away to Rye House on Sunday week, July 27.

The Devils were always in command after taking a 12-point lead with three 5-1 heat wins in the first four races.

Tom Brown was in top form for Plymouth with a paid maximum from his five rides while Mark Simmonds and Nicki Glanz weighed in with double figure scores.

Former Plymouth rider Rob Smith starred for the visitors with 10 points, including a victory over Simmonds and Seemond Stephens in heat 13.

Plymouth:
Mark Simmonds 14 (5 rides), Jaimie Pickard 1 (4), Tom Brown 12+3 (5), Nicki Glanz 10 (4), Seemond Stephens 9+1 (4). Res: Jamie White-Williams 2+1 (3), Paul Starke 9+2 (5).

Rye House:
Danny Betson (rider replacement), Rob Smith 10 (6), Danny Halsey 13 (5), Andrew Aldridge 3+1 (4), Terry Day 6+1 (6). Res: Daniel Greenwood 0 (3), Gary Cottham 3+1 (5), David Gough (No 8) 1+1 (1).