Wolves clinch tight victory over Leicester

Despite being without dislocated shoulder victim Kyle Howarth, Parrys International Wolves work d hard to get back to winning ways after Knockout Cup disappointment last week.

They were mainly inspired by Aussie ace Sam Masters and reserve Nathan Greaves, who showed another mature performance following his recent burst of confidence, with skipper Rory Schlein also contributing importantly.

The Monmore men continued their recent trend of establishing a healthy lead before allowing themselves to get pegged back.

Greaves and Masters won three of the opening six races before Schlein team rode smartly to allow Cameron Heeps around his outside to register their first 5-1 of the night.

But the visitors looked set to respond instantly until Greaves charged under Todd Kurtz into bend one of the third lap, with Polish talent Krystian Pieszczek taking the chequered flag.

And the Lions No.4 made another lightning start alongside guest racer Charles Wright to squeeze Wolves leader Jacob Thorssell out in the opening bends with the scores back to 32-28.

Tension grew when that lead was reduced to just two points when Schlein was only able to split the Leicester duo in Heat 11.

But Masters and Howarth came up with the goods again in Heats 12 and 14 as they combined for a pair of 4-2s to ensure victory with a race to spare.

But Masters’ maximum was ruined in the final race as he trapped last and the Lions headed back to the East Midlands with a consolation point courtesy of a final heat 4-2.

Team Manager Peter Adams said: “We were relieved tonight because being without Kyle was certainly not ideal.

“But it was good to see Sam back in the sort of form we know he can produce and Nathan got himself a paid ten score for the second week in succession which his highest return at this level.

“There’s a bit of a concern with this unwelcome trend we’ve got this season though.

“We keep seizing control of the fixture before letting it slip mid-meeting and it’s something we need to address.

“But it’s another win nevertheless and we’ll take it.”

The Parrys International Wolves face Leicester away next Monday (July 2, 7.30) in the return fixture.

WOLVERHAMPTON 47: Sam Masters 15, Rory Schlein 9+2, Nathan Greaves 9+1, Jacob Thorssell 7, Cameron Heeps 5, Ashley Morris 2+1, Kyle Howarth R/R.

LEICESTER 43: Hans Andersen 12, Kenneth Bjerre 11, Krystian Pieszczek 9, Charles Wright 6+1, Todd Kurtz 5, James Sarjeant 0, Kyle Newman R/R.