Gusty Wolverhampton go down on the road

Depleted Wolverhampton put in a gutsy display to add a point to their Elite League tally despite slipping to a 48-42 defeat at Poole.

The Monmore Men travelled to Dorset without injured skipper Tai Woffinden and sacked Polish ace Piotr Pawlicki.

They were expected to face a tough test against a strong Pirates side destined for the Elite League play-offs, but they put in an excellent all-around team display.

Despite a determined effort, they fell agonisingly short of victory – although they still emerged with a well-deserved consolation point for their efforts.

The visitors made a perfect start as Lasse Bjerre and guest Chris Harris raced to a 5-1.

And despite losing partner Tom Perry to a shed chain, Joe Jacobs preserved their advantage with a heat two win.

When Poole moved back onto level terms with a maximum of their own in heat five, it looked although they would kick on.

However, guesting duo Harris and Rory Schlein ensured Wolves immediately hit back as they benefitted from a Lewis Bridger fall to strike another 5-1.

A brilliant move by the all-action Schlein to snatch victory from Pedersen in heat 10 kept them in the driving sets entering the closing stages.

They unfortunately conceded a costly 5-1 in an action-packed heat 12 to fall behind for the first time.

And although they held on for a point, they could not edge what would have been a stunning victory.

Schlein and Harris both battled admirably as they stepped in for Woffinden and Pawlicki in the heat-leader roles.

Both piled up excellent scores having been involved in some exciting action to spearhead Wolves' charge for Elite League points.

Danish youngster Bjerre also proved hugely impressive, claiming two race wins on his way to nine points, whilst Joe Jacobs put in a strong showing at reserve.

Swedish duo Jacob Thorssell and Peter Karlsson both added creditable contributions in the engine room of the side, but Tom Perry endured a nightmare evening as Peter Adams' side slipped to a narrow defeat.

Poole: Maciej Janowski 14, Kyle Newman 11+2, Lewis Bridger 8+1, Josh Grajczonek 5+1, Bjarne Pedersen 4+1, Vaclav Milik 4, Benji Compton 2+1

Wolverhampton: Chris Harris 12+1, Lasse Bjerre 9, Rory Schlein 7+2, Joe Jacobs 7+1, Peter Karlsson 4, Jacob Thorssell 3, Tom Perry 0.