Jacob Thorssell inspires Wolves to home win

Wolves were hit by the absences of skipper Tai Woffinden, who has a broken hand, and Polish hotshot Piotr Pawlicki as they welcomed the Lions for their penultimate home meeting of the season.

The club announced earlier in the day they had cancelled the contract of Pawlicki after he pulled out of another meeting at the last minute.

Thorssell was in inspired form, stepping up with a match-winning showing as he moved back into the heat-leader position. The talented youngster helped them race into an early lead, winning four of the opening eight races in stunning fashion.

After fending off Simon Stead in his opening ride, he brilliantly snatched victory from Mads Korneliussen on the run to the line in heat five to put Wolves six ahead.

When he again hit the front in his fourth ride, he was joined by a determined move from Peter Karlsson to strike a huge 5-1 to give them breathing space.

By the time Thorssell next appeared Wolves had opened up a 14-point lead, and although he suffered his first defeat against the fast-starting Stead his side had already seized control.

Although he was left trailing in heat 15, partner Rory Schlein battled his way into second place to secure all three points for the hosts as Thorssell ended with a career-best score.

Also in a strong, all-around team performance, Lasse Bjerre sealed a composed heat 10 win on his way to double figures and Schlein, guesting for Woffinden, also made ten with a battling display.

Down at reserve, Tom Perry and Joe Jacobs joined forces for a crucial maximum in heat nine on their way to solid scores to bolster the lower order. And with veteran racer Peter Karlsson recovering from a slow start to put in a solid performance, Peter Adams' side claimed a comfortable win.

Wolverhampton: Jacob Thorssell 14, Lasse Bjerre 10, Rory Schlein 10, Joe Jacobs 6+3, Peter Karlsson 6+1, Tom Perry 4+1, Piotr Pawlicki R-R

Leicester: Simon Stead 16, Sam Masters 11, Nicolai Klindt 5, Mads Korneliussen 4, Max Clegg 4, Josh Bates 2+1, Jason Doyle R-R

By Rich Jones