TIGERS suffered their first home defeat of the season as they were outclassed 50-40 by Workington on Thursday.

They were caught napping at the start on a regular basis as the impressive Comets provided 10 of the 15 race winners - and Sheffield managed only one race advantage all night.

Daniel Nermark (13) and former Tigers skipper Carl Stonehewer (12+2) combined to give the visitors a powerful spearhead - and teenage sensation Joe Haines was in stunning form at reserve with 10+2.

Skipper Andre Compton was the top Sheffield rider with 11 but he was left disappointed and frustrated by the rest of the team.

Manager Eric Boocock said: "We weren't good enough, it's as simple as that, and we have to take a long, hard look at ourselves.

"If people think we're one of the top teams in the league then we shouldn't be losing home meetings. It's something we have to put right as quickly as possible."

TIGERS: Andre Compton 11, Ben Wilson 10, Paul Cooper 6, Ricky Ashworth 5+1, Joel Parsons 4+2, Lee Smethills 3+2, Sam Martin 1+1.
WORKINGTON: Daniel Nermark 13, Carl Stonehewer 12+2, Joe Haines 10+2, Kauko Nieminen 9, Charles Wright 4+1, John Branney 2+1, Barry Burchatt R/R.

*THERE is no meeting at Sheffield this coming Thursday due to necessary improvement work at the stadium.