SHEFFIELD skipper Andre Compton announced his retirement during their Young Shield clash with the Isle of Wight on Thursday.

Compton, 31, scored a superb 14-points but it wasn’t enough to help his team through to the semi-finals as Tigers won 52-41 on the night but crashed out on aggregate.

They’d left themselves with too much to do after a 21-point defeat at Smallbrook Stadium 48-hours earlier in the home leg.

Said Compton: “I’ve loved riding for Sheffield and have always had a great relationship with the supporters. It’s been a very special time for me, the sport has been a big part of my life and I’d like to wish Sheffield Speedway the very best of luck for the future.

“If there is anything I can do by way of helping the club in the future, they know my number. Whether it be helping with younger riders, or just being there to offer my support, I’m happy to do that.

“But it’s time to move on in my life, even though I’m only 31. I want to do other things, focus on my business and enjoy more of a social life because Speedway takes over your entire life and I don’t want that anymore.”

TIGERS: A. Compton 14, P. Cooper 13+1, B. Wilson 12+2, J. Parsons 8+2, B. Compton 4+1, L. Smethills 1+1.
ISLANDERS: R. Sweetman 13, J. Bunyan 11+1, P. Fry 7, C. Gathercole 4+1, K. Stojanowski 3, A. Bargh 2+1, G. Phillips 1.