IAN WOODHOUSE returned from a three-year exile to help Southampton Saints defeat Poole Comets 93-86 in the British Premier League.

The Saints, sponsored by RP Stenson Ltd, were minus top rider Gavin Wheeler through holiday commitments.

But Woodhouse, riding for the first time since 2000, scored 13 points from just four rides.

Twice in the second half, Poole brought in England international, Craig Nash, who came in at reserve to get extra rides.

Nash top-scored for the Comets with 16 points but he could not save his side from defeat as Saints' Shaun Woodhouse claimed a bonus point maximum of 19+1.

Saints: Shaun Woodhouse 19+1(5), Lee Galley 14+1 (5), Dennis Hubble 13+2 (5), Ian Woodhouse 13 (4), Toby Millen 12+2 (5), Colin Wheeler 11 (5), Nathan Harris 9+1 (5), Tom Colling 2(2).

Saints gave away three penalty points in the second-team fixture with Poole but still won 68-65. Ian Ginsell produced the match-winning performace as he backed up his three heat leaders.

Saints: Barry Janaway 15 (4), Tom Colling 15 (4), Paul Janaway 14+1 (4), Ian Grinsell 11+3 (4), Matt Grinsell 5+1 (3), Elliot Hayes 4 (3), Jack Galley 2 (2), Richard Hayes 2 (2).