Ricky Wells, a star for Wolverhampton in the Premiership Knockout Cup Final, first-leg. Picture Jack Cupido

Premiership Knockout Cup Final, first-leg: Wolverhampton Wolves 50, Belle Vue Aces 40

Edinburgh Monarchs star Ricky Wells top scored as Wolverhampton Wolves earned a ten-point lead in the first-leg of the Premiership Knockout Cup Final.

The American ace won his first four races before coming third in his next and last in his final heat in the 50-40 win at Monmore Green.

Nick Morris of Berwick Bandits was next best with ten points while stand-in skipper Sam Masters, who also captains Edinburgh in the Championship, scored eight, the same as former British champion Scott Nicholls.

Edinburgh’s Mark Riss scored seven while Glasgow Tigers’ rising star Dan Bewley collected six points for Belle Vue and ex-Edinburgh skipper Craig Cook scored ten points for the visitors.

Belle Vue were staring down a barrel with they entered the final head 49-35 behind but Cook and Kenneth Bjerre won the final heat for a 5-1 which could prove vital in the second-leg which is in Manchester on Wednesday night.

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