SHEFFIELD Tigers are up against it in their bid to reach the Premier Trophy semi-finals after a 52-41 home defeat by Birmingham on Thursday.

The Brummies are now clear favourites to win the group and Tigers are struggling to notch the runners-up spot which would give them a chance of a place in the last four.

Richard Hall was the top man for Tigers with 10 but Birmingham had strength in every department and looked at home on the big Owlerton bowl.

Sheffield managed only four race winners all night which underlines how dominant the visitors were.

Youngster Josh Auty won a tactical ride to pull five-points back for Eric Boocock's men but Birmingham hit back to complete the job.

Said Boocock: "No excuses, Birmingham were the better side throughout the meeting and fully deserved the win. We weren't good enough, it's as simple as that."

SHEFFIELD: Richard Hall 10, Josh Auty 8+1, Josef Franc 7, Ricky Ashworth 6, Hugh Skidmore 5+2, Arlo Bugeja 3+2, Paul Cooper 2.

BIRMINGHAM: Justin Sedgmen 13+3, Steve Johnston 13, Richard Sweetman 10+1, Jason Lyons 7, Chris Kerr 6, Aaron Summers 2+1, Jake Anderson 1.