WOLVERHAMPTON put up a battling display in going down by six points in their latest Midland League fixture at Coventry.
Stand-in captain Tai Woffinden was in outstanding form and enjoyed some terrific battles with home star Scott Nicholls, coming out on top in three of their four encounters.
There were more encouraging signs from Pontus Aspgren who scored in every ride despite suffering engine trouble before the meeting, and Nicolai Klindt was always in the action too.
Coventry's lead was generally between six and ten points, but Wolves did get back in contention with Woffinden's win over Nicholls in Heat 11 and then with a 5-1 in Heat 12 when race leader Kenni Larsen fell.
But a 4-2 and a 5-1 to the home side in the next two races ensured the Bees' win before Woffinden and Nicolai Klindt outpaced Nicholls and Edward Kennett in the last race for a consolation 5-1.
Parrys International Wolves boss Peter Adams said: "I thought we would do okay here, I thought we should get 40-plus, and although the score slightly flattered us to an extent we are suitably encouraged.
"The Polish lad (Lukasz Sowka) is still finding his feet, but the rest of the team have all shown flashes of what they can do in the matches we've had so far, so we just need them all to do it together and someone will get a good hiding!
"Tai has started the season in fantastic fashion, he's going just like he was before he was ill at the end of last year, and he's the top Brit at the minute without a doubt."
COVENTRY 49: Scott Nicholls 12, Aaron Summers 11+1, Kenni Larsen 9, Edward Kennett 8+2, Adam Roynon 6, Henning Bager 3+1, Chris Harris R/R.