WOLVERHAMPTON slipped to a last gasp 46-44 defeat at the hands of reigning league champions Poole in the first leg of the Elite Shield at Monmore on Monday.

Parrys International Wolves handed a debut to both Pontus Aspegren and Lukasz Sowka who are newcomers to British racing and found the going tough against a powerhouse side. A

Aspegren wasn't helped by an opening race crash which ruled out his first choice machinery.

Chris Holder and Darcy Ward, labelled the "˜Turbo Twins', won it for the Dorset club in the final race "“ the only time they took the lead!

The Monmore men held a four-point lead at one stage but were never able to enjoy the cushion they needed as Poole's big guns enjoyed support from ace reserve Ricky Kling.

Freddie Lindgren made a solid start to the season with 12 and Nicolai Klindt made a welcome Monmore return after spending last season at Swindon with 10.

Wolves boss Peter Adams said: "There are some positive points from this but it's hard when you are carrying passengers of course.

"It will be tough at Poole on Wednesday but we'll go there and give it our best."

WOLVERHAMPTON: Freddie Lindgren 12, Nicolai Klindt 10, Tai Woffinden 9+1, Ricky Wells 7+2, Ty Proctor 5+1, Pontus Aspegren 1, Lukasz Sowka 0.

POOLE: Chris Holder 13, Darcy Ward 12, Ricky Kling 10, Dennis Andersson 5+1, Adrian Miedzinski 3+1, Sam Masters 2, Todd Kurtz 1.