Express & Star

Wolverhampton Wolves’ hopes fading after a loss in Norfolk

Wolverhampton’s play-off hopes were dealt a double blow on a disappointing evening all-round last night, writes Ryan Guest.

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Not only did the Parrys International Wolves slip to a heavy 54-36 defeat at King’s Lynn, direct rivals Swindon secured all four league points on offer with an impressive display at Ipswich Witches.

It means the Wiltshire side leapfrog the Monmore men into fourth place and are now three points ahead with a fixture in hand.

The majority of drama came in the early exchanges at the Adrian Flux Arena.

In the opener, Wolves gated on a 5-1 before both King’s Lynn riders got past Luke Becker by the entry to lap two.

But the American was on hand to take full advantage of machinery problems for home guest Josh Grajczonek as the visitors started with a heat advantage with Jacob Thorssell taking a comfortable victory.

Mechanical gremlins would strike the hosts again in heat three when vice-captain Lewis Kerr broke down while on a 5-1, but falls for Wolves reserve Ryan Douglas in heats two and four, while in points-scoring positions, proved damaging and appeared to give the Norfolk outfit a boost.

On a track that offered little, if any, opportunities to pass, gating was always going to be of high importance.

But Peter Adams’ side were outgated for the majority of the clash and even when one of his side were able to hit the front, they rarely received the needed support in terms of minor placings.

Wolves did briefly halve the deficit with a sole maximum in heat seven when Nick Morris and skipper Rory Schlein made a quick getaway, but the hosts responded instantly with two 5-1s of their own to move 12-points in front.

There was still a faint glimmer of hope of registering a consolation point late on, but King’s Lynn fired in two final maximums to power on to victory and send Wolves back to the Midlands empty handed.

Wolves head to Belle Vue on Monday (7.30pm) for another crucial Premiership fixture.

King’s Lynn 54: Thomas Jorgensen 14+1, Erik Riss 11+1, Lewis Kerr 10+4, Craig Cook 10, Michael Palm Toft 7+1, Nicklas Porsing 2, Josh Grajczonek 0.

Wolverhampton 36: Rory Schlein 11+1, Jacob Thorssell 9, Sam Masters 6+1, Jason Garrity 5+1, Nick Morris 3, Luke Becker 2, Ryan Douglas 0