PAUL Cooper gave a magnificent display to help Sheffield Tigers to a welcome 55-38 Premier League win over Newcastle.

Cooper, at reserve, piled up a 13+3 haul in one of the best displays of his career – and Ricky Ashworth (13) continued his purple patch alongside reliable skipper Andre Compton (12).

Jason King was easily Newcastle's top man, winning four of his six outings and also shattering the maximum hopes of both Ashworth and Compton.

Now Tigers have to head to Newcastle on Sunday for the return - and the Owlerton bosses will hope their side can continue their new-found form in what will be a a vital away meeting with more precious league points at stake.

TIGERS: P. Cooper 13+3, R. Ashworth 13, A. Compton 12, J. Parsons 8+1, K. Hughes 5+2, B. Wilson 4.
NEWCASTLE: J.King 16, J. Franc 12, R. Juul 3+1, G. Stancl 3, L. Priest 3, S. Stoddart 1.