Wolves bow out despite win

A determined early fightback came to nothing for Wolves as they bowed out of the Knockout Cup last night, despite a 52-40 win over Eastbourne at Monmore Green.

Having lost 62-30 in Sussex on Saturday, the side had a mountain to climb if they were to make up the deficit, but they tore into the Eagles from the off and were a remarkable 18 points ahead – and just 14 behind on aggregate – after only six heats.

It looked as though a massive shock could be on the cards, but the visitors fought back to triumph overall 102-82.

The big surprise for Wolves was the form of reserve Kenneth Hansen.

Having failed to score at Eastbourne on Saturday, the young gun began with a paid win in heat 2 behind Christian Hefenbrock, before stunning fans by blasting home in front of heat 4 with Edward Kennett – who scored a maximum in the first leg – trailing at the back.

Hansen then took another win in heat 6 leaving him unbeaten by an opponent.

It all came apart in heat 8, as he lost a chain while battling Lewis Bridger for the lead. This proved pivotal, as Eastbourne capitalised on his misfortune to chalk up a 5-1 and begin their fightback.

Hansen said: "I have put too much pressure on my own head this season. I have been trying to do too much. Now that some things are sorted out, it's a little easier for me and I can concentrate more."

Skipper Freddie Lindgren was absent as he recovers from rib injuries sustained in his Danish Grand Prix smash. It is not yet known if he will be fit for the trip to Swindon on Thursday.

Niels Kristian Iversen was in flying form, battling for his points in every ride, including a fine inside move on Eagles captain Lee Richardson in heat 12.

Ales Dryml was once again very rapid out of the gate, while Christian Hefenbrock raced on with a broken bone in his hand – a legacy of his crash in last week's home defeat to Poole – to record two fine race wins, including a defeat of high-flying Cameron Woodward in heat 14.

David Howe enjoyed a welcome return to form, producing the move of the night in heat 7 as he tried to go between Richardson and Woodward entering the third turn.

He eventually took second, going on to earn a heat 15 nomination.

Nicolai Klindt was unlucky with bike troubles, losing out on a potential placing in heat 9 while challenging Kennett, also slowing up in the penultimate race when looking to pass James Brundle for third.

Scott Nicholls headed the visitors' challenge, fresh from a 15-point maximum at Steve Johnston's testimonial at Coventry on Sunday, but he was another to be let down by mechanical woes in the final race.

This allowed Iversen and Howe to score a 5-1, but the Eagles' qualification for the semi-finals was already sealed.

Wolves resume their Elite League programme at Swindon on Thursday, while next Monday sees the big one – the 80th Anniversary celebration meeting.