Dynamic duo inspire Wolves

The dynamic duo were in unbeatable form as Wolves completed an Elite League speedway double over Belle Vue -winning 57-33 - and picked up a useful bonus point into the bargain, writes Rob Taylor.

But with testing encounters coming up against Swindon next Monday and Reading four days later, both riders are focussed on helping the Monmore men's play-off hopes alive.

Skipper Karlsson, who reeled off five stylish wins, said: "Belle Vue looked good on paper but we made them look not so good.

"We have some tough meetings coming up but this will give us a lot of confidence."

For Howe, who broke his collarbone last month, it was again a case of riding through the pain barrier but he was unbeaten by an opponent in four rides before allowing Billy Hamill to partner Karlsson as one of the nominated riders in the final race.

"I had the opportunity to go in heat 15 but decided not to," he said.

"Tonight was the first time I haven't been in agony with my shoulder and I want to be ready for the two matches next week."

Wolves certainly can't expect to be as dominant against their two West Country opponents as they were against the Aces, who only avoided a total humiliation with three heat successes which were totally unexpected.

Wolves were in control from the outset, an opening race 5-1 from Karlsson and Howe being followed by the same outcome, courtesy of James Grieves and William Lawson in heat two.

There was a fleeting hiccup for the home side when Joe Screen and Kevin Doyle relegated Hamill and Mikael Karlsson to the minor placings in heat three but from that juncture the outcome was never in question.

Freddie Lindgren was also in impressive form, kicking off with a classy piece of riding to spurt inside Simon Stead, and suffering his only setback in heat seven when he got the better of Screen but just failed in a determined effort to catch Kevin Doyle.

With the sides separated by a 16-point margin after nine races, the Aces attempted a damage limitation exercise by giving tactical ride to the previously unbeaten Doolan in the following heat.

It was a futile effort, though, with no chance of Doolan claiming double points as he trailed last behind beind Peter Karlsson, Howe and Screen.

Hamill, meanwhile, had a mixed night, scoring two fine wins but also recording two disappointing third places as he struggled to find enough power.

Even so, the American star was involved in one of the most exciting clashes of the night, holding off Billy Forsberg for second place in the 12th heat.