Kennett's appearance as a guest rider boosted the Brummies' chances

A young Wolves line-up almost found themselves upset by Premier League Birmingham in the first leg of the Midland Shield at Monmore Green.

Guest riders Davey Watt and Eddie Kennett kept the Brummies in contention ahead of next month's second leg.

Watt claimed 13 points from five rides, Kennett added 10 and visiting skipper Jason Lyons chipped in with 12.

Youngsters Lewis Bridger and Tai Woffinden claimed seven apiece for Wolves, Freddie Lindgren notched nine.

The Brummies actually outscored their Elite League neighbours 19-11 over the last five heats, culminating in Lyons' second victory over Grand Prix star Lindgren in the night's final race.

No date has yet been set for the second leg at Perry Barr due to Birmingham's backlog of fixtures.