IN-FORM Sheffield Tigers are bang on target for a place in the Premier Trophy semi-finals - despite their 47-43 defeat at Redcar on Saturday.
Their two away wins, which gleaned two extra points, from Scunthorpe and Stoke still leaves them in a good position and all could now depend on Newcastle's meetings in hand.
It was a solid all-round performance from the Sheffield Window Centre-backed side at the South Tees Motorsport Park - but the superior firepower of Bears duo Gary Havelock and James Grieves proved vital.
Joel Parsons and Ricky Ashworth both pulled up with problems - Parsons a burnt-out clutch and Ashworth a puncture - when in scoring positions which cost them the chance of getting a draw.
There was a spectacular race in Heat 14 when Paul Cooper and Lee Smethills worked hard for their points and this left Sheffield needing a maximum in the last race to force a draw.
Ben Wilson made a great start to lead former world champion Havelock, who tried everything to pass him - but skipper Andre Compton, who wasn't at his best, was left at the start and the Bears had just about done enough.
Sheffield co-promoter David Hoggart said: "With showings away from home like this, the team are doing a good job for the sport and an excellent job representing the city of Sheffield."
REDCAR 47: Gary Havelock 13, James Grieves 12+1, Ty Proctor 10, Daniel Giffard 5+1, Arlo Bugeja 4+2, Josh Auty 3+1, Chris Kerr R/R. SHEFFIELD 43: Ben Wilson 10, Andre Compton 7, Paul Cooper 7, Lee Smethills 6+2, Ricky Ashworth 6+1, Joel Parsons 6+1, Sam Martin 1.
