Wolves whipped by Swindon
A spell of four meetings in five days for Wolves began in the worst-possible fashion at Swindon as the team slumped to a 63-29 defeat – their biggest loss of the season.
A spell of four meetings in five days for Wolves began in the worst-possible fashion at Swindon as the team slumped to a 63-29 defeat – their biggest loss of the season.
On a night when the entertainment factor was low, the Wolves failed to provide a single heat winner, with David Howe crashing out in heat 7.
Wolves promoter Chris Van Straaten said: "David hit a bump going into turn three and went straight on into the air fence. He aggravated his foot injury and also suffered a bump to the head, and will be rested for the trips to Lakeside and Eastbourne."
With Niels Kristian Iversen already absent with a shoulder injury, Wolves will be allowed to use guest Henning Bager for Howe in their next two away matches tonight and tomorrow.
Troy Batchelor will deputise at Eastbourne on Saturday, with a replacement still to be confirmed for the match at Lakeside tonight.
Batchelor was one of three Swindon riders unbeaten by an opponent last night, with Leigh Adams and the amazing Jurica Pavlic also recording maximums.
The one bright spot for Wolves was the form shown by newcomer Ludvig Lindgren, who showed some determined riding on his British league debut alongside brother Fredrik.
Wolves bosses were impressed with the 17-year-old's form at the tough Blunsdon circuit.
Manager Peter Adams believes the younger Lindgren has a fine attitude, highlighted by his battle for third place with Richard Sweetman in heat 14.
Lindgren said: "Heat 14 was a good race – it was just too bad I didn't get past him on the last corner.
"We had a tough night tonight and the track was difficult, but I'm pleased to be part of the set-up."
There were just two passing moves of note, with Jesper B Monberg heading Adams for two laps of heat 6 before the Robins' record points scorer pulled ahead, while Ludvig was again on form to pass Sweetman on the outside in heat 2.
Morten Risager made a steady debut for his new club, showing his knowledge of the Blunsdon track on his way to paid six, but Nicolai Klindt struggled to just four, a disappointment after his double-figure score at Swindon earlier in the season.
Skipper Fredrik Lindgren scored four points from a tactical ride in heat 12. This would be the last occasion a Wolf would defeat a home rider, as the Robins banged in four consecutive 5-1s to wrap things up emphatically.
