Oxford Silver Machine's Greg Hancock and Billy Hamill were in top form as they battled back to see off the Wolves in a thrilling Craven Shield encounter at the Stadium last night.

The Californian pair rattled up 24 points between them and with solid support from the exciting Travis McGowan it proved just too much for the Midlanders for whom Peter Karlsson starred with a paid 12.

Craig Branney rode well at reserve spot and although only registering a single point, he held ex-Cheetahs' skipper Steve Johnston until the last lap in heat ten.

After levelling in heat ten, Silver Machine took the lead in heat 13 and never looked back to take a six point lead to Monmore for Monday's second leg.

After Hancock had edged out Magnus Karlsson to win the opener, Wolves showed their intent with a spanking maximum to win the next.

However, victories for Hamill and Niels Kristian Iversen eased the pressure before Wolves resumed their winning ways as guest Peter Karlsson, standing in for his brother Mikael, showed Hamill the way.

Rolling at the start cost Iversen dear in heat seven as he allowed Wolves duo Freddie Lindgren and Johnston to poach a 5- 1 and lead 24-18.

The home fightback began with a superb effort from McGowan who beat Magnus Karlsson in style.

But while Howe hit back for Wolves, Hancock forced leader Lindgren into a mistake in heat ten, before Iversen and McGowan took an excellent maximum to level the clash at the interval.

Freddie Eriksson took charge after the break and when McGowan joined him before eventually taking over, Oxford took the lead.

Hancock fended off David Howe in heat 12, where Peter Karlsson led the way. While Hancock was taking the Wolves man wide, Iversen stormed under to take his spot before Howe crashed out.

And in the penultimate heat, Hamill stormed round early leader Lindgren to see Oxford home and dry.

Oxford: Hancock 12, Hamill 11+1, McGowan 10, Iversen 8+1, Eriksson 4

+1, Gustfsson 2+1, Branney 1. 48 pts.

Wolverhampton: P Karlsson 11, Howe 8, Lindgren 7, Johnston 5, M Karlsson 5, Correy 3, Pecyna 3. 42 pts.