SHEFFIELD made their starting dominance count to claim the bragging rights against Belle Vue in a curtailed Bank Holiday head-to-head in Manchester.
The clash was, eventually, knocked on the head with ten races gone - and it was the Tru7 Group Tigers who were in control at that point and earned a 35-25 victory.
Heavy rain was forecast from the off and it barely let up from the moment the riders arrived at the National Speedway Stadium.
With a heavy racing surface, gating was going to be of high importance and that was proven throughout the ten completed races.
Following two 3-3s and a 4-2 apiece in the opening four races, the two sides couldn’t be separated.
But a longer than usual track grading break worked in the Tigers’ favour who came out flying following the restart.
Jack Holder and Kyle Howarth moved Sheffield back in front with a 5-1 in Heat Five before Tai Woffinden and Jason Edwards took a 4-2 in the sixth.
Chris Holder and guest Tom Brennan then landed a 5-1 as the Tigers opened up a ten point lead.
Dan Gilkes and Howarth followed Belle Vue’s Norick Blodorn home in a Heat Eight 3-3 before the hosts hit back with their first 5-1 in the ninth.
But Chris Holder and Brennan responded instantly in Heat Ten to restore that ten point lead with the rain coming down heavier.
Many thought that latest downpour would without doubt be the end of the action - but the home promotion remained adamant the situation could be salvaged and that 15 heats could be completed.
One hour and 25 minutes after Heat Ten had finished though, it was finally announced that a result had been declared following yet another consultation between riders, management, paramedics and SCB Referee Dave Watters.
The Tigers are back on home shale this Thursday (May 30, 7.30pm) when they host Birmingham who are on a high having beat league leaders Ipswich on Monday.
BELLE VUE 25: Ben Cook 7, Jaimon Lidsey 6+1, Norick Blodorn 6, Connor Mountain 4, Dan Bewley 2+1, Connor Bailey 0, Brady Kurtz r/r. SHEFFIELD 35: Chris Holder 7+1, Tai Woffinden 7, Tom Brennan 5+1, Jack Holder 5, Kyle Howarth 4+3, Jason Edwards 4, Dan Gilkes 3. Abandoned after Heat 10 (Rain) - Result stands.
