Wolverhampton Wolves sunk by the Pirates

It appeared to be plain sailing for Peter Adams’ side when they raced into a 10-point lead after just five races.

But a horrific crash for Kyle Howarth in heat six overshadowed the evening’s action and stalled their momentum as the Pirates took full advantage.

The popular Brit clipped the back wheel of Hans Andersen and was sent flying spectacularly into the safety fence at high speed.

The 23-year-old was taken to hospital after the frightening accident, but early indications suggested no broken bones and heavy concussion.

Howarth had got his side off to a perfect start in heat one, continuing his fine form to take the chequered flag while partner Freddie Lindgren sliced between both Poole riders on the back straight to join him at the front.

By the time Howarth next appeared Wolves were 10 clear, and with Andersen taking a tactical ride for the visitors his desperate attempts to fight from the back had disastrous consequences.

The Pirates took advantage of Howarth’s absence in heats eight and 10 to head into the final five races four clear.

And although Lindgren and Jacob Thorssell delivered a 5-1 in heat 13, Poole hit straight back to shut out the hard-charging Sam Masters and end Wolves’ unbeaten home run.

Thorssell won the last-heat, but Lindgren was left trailing and could not find a way to fight through the field for the 5-1 required to salvage a draw.

Wolves’ top order was again in solid form, but they suffered too many momentary lapses which cost them dearly once Howarth had withdrawn.

Middle order duo Rory Schlein and Sam Masters formed a deadly partnership, racing to 5-1s in heats three and give to give them an early lead.

Masters brilliantly battled from the back in his opening ride and was ready to pounce on a Jack Holder mistake on the final bend to snatch second place before racing clear in a fast time in his next outing. But he couldn’t find a way past Richie Worrall and Paul Starke in the penultimate race, while a mistake from Schlein in heat nine saw him relegated to the back as Poole drew level.

Thorssell also suffered early misfortune with bike troubles in heat four, although he recovered to reel off three straight wins in his final three outings.

With reserve duo Nathan Greaves and Max Clegg battling hard for little reward to cover for Howarth, a handful of small errors made a major impact.

Wolves will be back in action in a mouth-watering top of the table clash at Belle Vue next Monday (7.30pm).