Big win is boost to Wolverhampton Wolves' play-off push
Fired-up Wolverhampton breathed new life into their play-off bid as they racked up their biggest win of the season, writes Ryan Guest.
Parrys International Wolves moved back into the top four with an emphatic 59-31 triumph over Peterborough last night with a much more pleasing display.
Boss Peter Adams expressed his frustrations following two below-par fixtures last week and demanded improvement from all areas of his team. And his riders delivered in fine style as they swept aside the Panthers without any real problems.
They took control early on as they bagged five advantages in their favour in the opening six races.
Recent recruit Ryan Douglas and reserve Kyle Howarth both made flying starts while skipper Rory Schlein and American ace Luke Becker both had to work hard to come through for third place in heats one and two respectively.
Seven-time British champion Scott Nicholls, who was released by Wolves earlier in the season, won his opening ride on his return to Monmore Green before Becker made life much easier with a quick start in the fourth as he took the chequered flag.
Middle order pairing Jacob Thorssell and Nick Morris have had plenty of ups and downs since they returned to the Wolves line-up in May following early season injuries – but this was without doubt their most impressive performance as a pair.
They picked up two 5-1s in their three races together as the hosts led by 16 with nine races gone.
And by the time the break came, Wolves were home and dry courtesy of another 5-1. This time Sam Masters made the gate while Howarth eventually got the better of Chris Harris after a thrilling battle with the Great Britain international.
Wolves would finish strongly too with further wins for Thorssell, Schlein and Masters as they ruthlessly continued to build on their margin.
The Monmore men won 11 of the 15 races and suffered just one last place on a thrilling night of entertainment in front of a bumper crowd. Now they turn their attentions to going in search of another away victory.
They head to Ipswich on Thursday – a venue they came within a whisker of winning at earlier in the season.
Wolverhampton 59: Jacob Thorssell 12, Sam Masters 11+1, Kyle Howarth 8+2, Ryan Douglas 8+1, Rory Schlein 7, Luke Becker 7, Nick Morris 6+4.
Peterborough 31: Scott Nicholls 12, Rohan Tungate 5, Charles Wright 4+1, Lewis Kerr 3, Ty Proctor 3, Chris Harris 2, Aaron Summers 2.
