FORMER Swindon Robins riders Troy Batchelor and Adam Ellis top scored for new club Sheffield on Monday night but could not prevent the Tigers going down 50-40 to Wolverhampton Wolves at Monmore Green.

The Premiership newcomers put up a decent fight in the Black Country but were unable to take a bonus point back to Yorkshire as Peter Adams’ septet got back to winning ways.

Sam Masters scored 11+1 for Wolves with Ryan Douglas adding 10. Batchelor (12+1) led the way for the Tigers with Ellis notching 10 despite two falls.

Afterwards, Batchelor said: “Things are getting better for me and I’m starting to get more into it. It was tough out there but I went well and I enjoyed it.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t win and we had a few crashes, but we dug deep and worked hard. I’m looking forward to more meetings soon.”

It was a solid all-round team performance by Wolves, with each rider playing their part to pull well clear with a late rally as Sheffield ran out of riders.

Both sides were without their captains – Rory Schlein and Kyle Howarth – due to injury but Josh Bates was also withdrawn for the Tigers after a heat four crash.

Wolves boss Peter Adams said: “I’m delighted with the result because Sheffield are a very good side.

“We knew it would be tough and they stayed with us for the most part but it’s another three points on the board and I’m pleased with that.”

Elsewhere, Belle Vue Aces maintained their lead at the top of the Premiership with a powerful display to defeat Ipswich Witches 55-35 at the National Speedway Stadium.

And Peterborough Panthers secured their first win of the season in style with an emphatic 58-32 home success over rivals King’s Lynn Stars.