SHEFFIELD’S wait to mathematically wrap up top spot goes on after losing out 48-42 in their final regular league fixture at King’s Lynn.
The Tru7 Group Tigers won 100-79 on aggregate though to move onto 42 points - a total that could still be matched by Leicester if they max out against the Stars next week.
They had the opportunity to grab a 5-1 in Heat 15 to snatch the draw which would’ve been enough to secure their place at the top, but King’s Lynn having choice of gate positions proved pivotal as they earned a fourth straight win.
The Tigers found themselves six points down after three races before Josh Pickering won a shared Heat Four.
They then managed two 4-2s and a 5-1 to edge ahead by two after seven.
King’s Lynn retook the lead with a 5-1 in Heat Eight and then restored their six point advantage with another maximum in Heat Ten.
Jack Holder reeled off a third straight victory in Heat 11 - earning himself a Tactical Substitute outing in Heat 12.
He and brother Chris flew away from the starts to gain a 5-1 to move back within two.
Jack Holder’s tremendous start to Heat 13 was pulled back by SCB Referee Paul Carrington - despite video replays showing there was no movement whatsoever on the start line.
The re-run then saw captain Kyle Howarth come down on his own and thrown out for being the primary cause of the stoppage before Holder again made a beautiful start to continue a stunning night individually.
King’s Lynn thought they’d secured victory with a race to spare as they sat on a 5-1 for the majority of Heat 14 - but Pickering had other ideas as he rounded home guest Connor Mountain superbly in the closing stages to set up a last heat decider.
Stars skipper Niels-Kristian Iversen was penalised this time around for moving at the start. And while he was passed by Jack Holder down the back straight on the re-run, guest Ben Cook held on out front to seal the deal for the Stars.
Sheffield’s attentions now turn to the first leg of the Premiership Knockout Cup Final which they host at Owlerton on Monday (September 2, 7.30pm).
KING’S LYNN 48: Ben Cook 14, Niels-Kristian Iversen 11+1, Jan Kvech 7+2, Anders Rowe 7+1, Lewis Kerr 6+2, Connor Mountain 3+1, Benjamin Basso R/R. SHEFFIELD 42: Jack Holder 18+1, Chris Holder 11, Josh Pickering 7, Kyle Howarth 3+1, Jason Edwards 3+1, Joe Thompson 0, Tai Woffinden R/R. Sheffield win the aggregate point 100-79.
