SHEFFIELD edged a tense contest 48-42 with a rejuvenated Ipswich at Owlerton.

Jack Holder continued his stunning form with a 13-point haul to deny a determined Witches side which included former Tigers Danny King and Drew Kemp.

Tigers looked comfortable at 22-14 up after six heats before the visitors sparked a revival when King and Jake Allen romped to a comfortable 5-1 win in the next.

Intelligent tactics from Tru Plant Tigers boss Simon Stead paid dividends with a perfect use of reserve substitutions.

He said: “It was everything I thought it would be, it was tough.

“I know Ipswich are a good side with some quality riders and I expected them to push us hard which is what they did. It was a bit tense.

“We paid the price for a lack of meetings, we’ve not had a lot. I still think we look rusty in certain areas.

“We will work with the team and try and get what we need to win more meetings.

“I’m happy with the way we started and I’m happy with the way we finished and hopefully with a busier schedule going forward we can become a better team.

“Now we have a few meetings lined up and the boys want more meetings, they’re keen. Now we look forward to Peterborough on Monday.”

SHEFFIELD 48: Jack Holder 13, Adam Ellis 9+1, Kyle Howarth 7+2, Justin Sedgmen 7+1, James Wright 6+1, Troy Batchelor 6, Kyle Bickley 0

IPSWICH 42: Jake Allen 10, Craig Cook 9+1, Danny King 7+1, Paul Starke 5+1, Drew Kemp 4+1, Nick Morris 4, Anders Rowe 3+1