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Wolverhampton Wolves have won the Elite League for the first time since 2009 after an impressive two legged display over the league leaders Belle Vue.
Wolves, who finished third in the table, took their 18 point advantage from the first leg to the National Speedway Stadium, and despite a defeat on the night, the Wolves won on aggregate.
The opening heat was a belter, and it was the visitors that began with an impressive 2-4 courtesy of Swedish duo Freddie Lindgren and Peter Karlsson.
But the Aces, who lost last seasons final against Poole Pirates, won back to back heats with 5-1 scorelines, and began to reduce the aggregate deficit.
After another 5-1 win in heat seven, the Aces applied a tactical ride, but the hosts failed to capitalise on their points advantage.
Wolves’ reserve duo of Kyle Howarth and Max Klegg didn’t put in a strong performance on the night, but their efforts in heat 12 may have swung the title to the visitors after a 2-4.
Needless to say, it was World Champion Tai Woffinden, who only made his return to Monmore Green in August, who sealed the title in the penultimate heat, giving Wolves their first Elite League title in seven years.
A delighted team boss Peter Adams said: “This is thoroughly merited and the team deserve this success.
“Belle Vue and Poole may have been the slightly better teams over the course of the season, but it’s who’s better over four meetings at the end which counts most.
“I’ve said for many years now, building confidence and getting results is just part of it from March to September – it’s what you do in October that really matters and we’ve come up trumps once again.
“Every single rider has played their part along the way and we mustn’t forget the points that Joonas Kylmakorpi and Mikkel Bech scored to get us to this point.
“This is another great night for the club and I’m delighted for everyone involved.”
It was an emotional night all round, particularly for Peter Karlsson who confirmed the 2016 Elite League Grand Final second leg fixture was his last in Wolverhampton colours as he wrapped up a fourth league Championship with the club.
ELITE LEAGUE GRAND FINAL 2nd leg
BELLE VUE 50: Matej Zagar 10+1, Max Fricke 9, Joe Jacobs 9+3, Craig Cook 8+1, Richie Worrall 7, Steve Worrall 4, Scott Nicholls 3+1.
WOLVERHAMPTON 42: Freddie Lindgen 14, Tai Woffinden 11, Peter Karlsson 8, Sam Masters 3+1, Kyle Howarth 3, Jacob Thorssell 2, Max Clegg 1+1.
WOLVERHAMPTON WOLVES win 96-86 on aggregate
