SHEFFIELD were beaten 50-40 at Wolverhampton on Monday but put in an admirable display without two of their key riders.
Already missing No.1 Jack Holder due to Polish league requirements, the Tru Plant Tigers were dealt another blow in the build up to the fixture with captain Kyle Howarth ruled out after aggravating an injury whilst on Championship duty with Plymouth last Friday.
Nevertheless, that didn’t deter the South Yorkshire side from pushing the Wolves hard who are unbeaten around their home circuit in 2023.
After conceding a 5-1 in the opener, a run of five 4-2s followed - three of which went in the Tigers’ favour.
Just two points separated the two teams with seven heats gone before the hosts picked up three advantages in the next four races to create some breathing space.
Despite some brave efforts from the Sheffield riders, Wolverhampton were able to hold on for the victory and the Tigers will need to overturn a ten point deficit to claim the aggregate point when they meet at Owlerton on a new date to be agreed.
Tobiasz Musielak returned from a broken collarbone in spectacular fashion, scoring 14 points against his former employers from six riders.
With rider replacement in operation for Howarth, reserve pairing Lewis Kerr and Dan Gilkes were also kept busy with six outings apiece; Kerr opened the night with back-to-back wins on his way to double figures whilst Rising Star Gilkes again rode extremely maturely on his maiden Premiership appearance at Monmore Green.
Adam Ellis and guest Nick Morris were in the thick of the action whilst David Bellego endured another tough meeting on the road.
Sheffield head to Leicester next Monday (May 22, 7.30) with the next fixture at Owlerton on Thursday, May 25 (7.30) when King’s Lynn are the visitors.
WOLVERHAMPTON 50: Sam Masters 11+1, Rory Schlein 11+1, Ryan Douglas 8, Scott Nicholls 8, Steve Worrall 6, Zach Cook 4, Leon Flint 2+1. SHEFFIELD 40: Tobiasz Musielak 14, Lewis Kerr 10+1, Nick Morris 6+1, Adam Ellis 6+1, Dan Gilkes 4, David Bellego 0, Kyle Howarth r/r.
