Heavy defeat on Wolves' poor run of form

Struggling Wolverhampton saw their poor run of form continue as they slumped to a heavy 59-36 defeat against high-flying Poole at Monmore Green.

Wolves welcomed club legend Peter Karlsson back to their side – but the Pirates hijacked his return to condemn them to their sixth defeat in their last seven meetings.

It was another hugely frustrating night for Peter Adams' side as they struggle to recapture the dominant home form they have shown in previous years.

Some misfortune proved costly to the Monmore men on a difficult night – and they were made to pay by the ruthless Pirates.

Wolves saw their evening get off to the worst possible start, conceding a 5-1 in the opening race.

Reserve Joe Jacobs then fell on the first bend of heat four before a snapped chain for debutant Lasse Bjerre while leading the re-run saw them concede a costly 5-0.

Desperately looking to reignite their hopes, Piotr Pawlicki took a tactical ride and duly hit the front, but partner Tai Woffinden was the victim of a hard move from Poole's Przemyslaw Pawlicki causing him to retire, much to his fury.

Having missed out on a potentially huge 8-1, they fell 12 behind before Swedish ace Jacob Thorssell reduced the deficit with a composed race win in a second tactical ride.

Despite their best efforts, they could not fight their way back into contention as they suffered a comprehensive loss.

Fans were treated to some scintillating action – most notably a blockbuster heat 13 which saw Darcy Ward magnificently pass Pawlicki and Woffinden.

But it was a night to forget for Karlsson and another poor show by Woffinden.

Wolves: Pawlicki 14, Thorssell 7, Woffinden 4+1, Jacobs 3+1, Perry 3+1, Lasse Bjerre 3, Peter Karlsson 2+1.

Poole: Newman 13+1, Ward 13, Pawlicki 9, Grajczonek 8+1, Milik 7+3, Janowski 7+1, Johnson 2+1.

By Rich Jones