Express & Star

Tai Woffinden back to his best as Wolves shine

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Wolves survived another tough test to preserve their unbeaten home record as they edged a 52-38 victory over Swindon at Monmore Green.

Team boss Peter Adams' men required a late surge, storming to a trio of 5-1s in the final three races to secure all three Elite League points.

It was a performance which gave Wolves' confidence a timely boost after dropping several points at home.

World champion Tai Woffinden was back to his brilliant best, top-scoring with an excellent paid 14 to form a deadly spearhead with Polish hotshot Piotr Pawlicki.

The duo combined for a pivotal 5-1 in heat 13 to swing the balance in Wolves' favour before joining forced again to make sure of all three league points.

However, it was youngster Ashley Morris who stepped up as an unlikely hero, the 20-year-old brilliantly holding off Swindon duo Steve Worrall and Simon Gustafsson to strike a maximum with partner Ty Proctor to wrap up victory in the penultimate race.

Wolves: Tai Woffinden 13+1, Piotr Pawlicki 10+2, Ashley Morris 8+2, Ty Proctor 8, Jacob Thorssell 6, Ricky Wells 5, Joe Jacobs 2+1.

Swindon: Dakota North 10, Steve Worrall 8+1, Peter Kildemand 7, Nick Morris 6+1, Simon Gustafsson 4, Troy Batchelor 3, Nathan Greaves 0.

Will Pottinger is challenging his Cradley riders to grasp the opportunity of extra outings in the absence of Tom Perry – starting in the Knockout Cup clash with Mildenhall at Monmore tonight (7.30pm).

Perry is expected to be out until early June with a broken collarbone and the Heathens must utilise rider-replacement.

"This gives the rest of the lads an opportunity to step forward and show us what they can do," said team boss Pottinger.