Wolves regretting bad Friday

Mar 25 2008 By Nigel Pearson

WOLVERHAMPTON are unlikely to qualify for the Craven Shield Final - despite a hard-fought 48-44 win over Belle Vue at Monmore Green last night.

Their heavy defeat at Coventry last Friday will probably cost them any hope of making it through with every chance the three-team group being decided on points difference.

The meeting produced some exciting racing on a bitterly cold night in the Black Country and the win was welcome for Wolves.

One of the best races of the night was saved until last when double world champion Jason Crump - once again underling his love for the Monmore track - won the race from Wolves skipper Freddie Lindgren after a super tussle with placings changing throughout.

Crump was nominated for double-points in heat 11 when the Parrys International Wolves held a handy 10-point lead, but David Howe did enough to outfox him and restrict his rival to second place - the only time he was beaten in five races.

The result was rarely in doubt and, to their credit, Belle Vue picked up two successive 4-2 wins in the last two heats to restrict the margin of victory for the Mon-more men.

* Birmingham are back in action with a Premier Trophy clash at home to Mildenhall tomorrow (7.45pm).