AUSTRALIA endured a night to forget at the Speedway World Cup final despite the best efforts of Pirates ace Chris Holder.
Captain Holder registered 10 from his six heats but was unable to inspire his colleagues to match his efforts at Belle Vue last night.
Australia finished last with 22 points, eight behind 2015 winners Sweden who claimed third after a promising opening.
Poland, minus ex-Poole star Maciej Janowski, took the top prize with some consistent scoring, while Great Britain were second on the rostrum, thanks largely to talisman and reigning world champion Tai Woffinden.
After six heats, Sweden held a five-point lead but Antonio Lindback and Andreas Jonssson in particular tailed off as the meeting progressed.
Heat 12 saw the pendulum start to swing for Team GB as Woffinden, as a substitute for Danny King and on a tactical ride, took the chequered flag with ease.
Woffinden ended the night on 19 points, eight more than any other rider but Poland's victory was secured by virtue of having three riders in double figures.
Poole pair Brady Kurtz (Australia) and Adam Ellis (Great Britain) were unused reserves.
Result: Poland 39, Great Britain 32, Sweden 30, Australia 22.
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