WOLVERHAMPTON suffered a narrow 49-41 defeat against Dudley in an entertaining BBC WM Trophy clash at Monmore Green.

After falling six behind in the opening four races, Wolves were unable to launch a comeback against their in-form opponents.

The loss of former Heathens man Tom Perry early on proved a bitter to their chances as he aggravated a shoulder injury after just one ride.

Yet team boss for the evening Sam Ermolenko enjoyed the return of the Dudley-Wolves rivalry despite not getting the ideal result.

He said: "I enjoyed being back in the pits again and talking with the seven riders through the meeting.

"We only had six riders after we lost Tom Perry early on, so it was always going to be tough.

"It was great to see the two sides take each other on again, and it was good to tell the boys some stories about the rivalry in the changing rooms before the meeting."

British Under 21 Champion Robert Branford top scored for the hosts with an excellent display, whilst he received good support from Wolves asset Joe Haines and James Sarjeant.

Aussie ace Damien Koppe also improved as the meeting went on to score eight points - including two classy race wins - on his first visit to Monmore Green.

Yet it was at reserve where Dudley had the edge, with Wolves pairing Tom Woolley and Hayden Sims struggling to make an impact despite putting in plenty of effort.

Meanwhile, it was Dudley man Lewis Blackbird who took victory in the Gary Peterson Memorial Trophy after an entertaining second half meeting.

The sides will meet again next Tuesday, July 9, in a revenge clash staged by Dudley.

BBC WM TROPHY
WOLVERHAMPTON 41: Rob Branford 12, James Sarjeant 9, Damien Koppe 8, Joe Haines 7+1, Tom Woolley 3, Tom Perry 1+1, Hayden Sims 1+1.

DUDLEY 49: Paul Starke 12+1, Ashley Morris 12, Lewis Blackbird 8, Nathan Greaves 6+2, Dan Greenwood 4+1, Max Clegg 4, Gareth Isherwood 3+2.

GARY PETERSON MEMORIAL TROPHY
1 Lewis Blackbird
2 Ashley Morris
3 Robert Branford
4 Paul Starke