THE FEEL-GOOD factor returned to Owlerton on Thursday as the Sheffield Window Centre Tigers battled to a hard-fought win over Newcastle in the Premier League Cup semi-final first leg.
In one of the best meetings at Owlerton all season the two sides went wheel to wheel but it was Sheffield who finished on top, and they will take a four point lead to Brough Park on Sunday.
Although the Tigers always had their noses in front they never looked like building a big lead, with Richie Worrall and Stuart Robson in particular proving to be thorns in the Sheffield side.
Significant race victories from Richard Hall, Ricky Wells, Joe Haines and guest Richard Lawson meant that the home side were always just ahead, and debutant Adam Roynon also recorded his first win in Sheffield colours.
Going into the final races the Owlerton side were four points up and two wins for Hall, along with one apiece for Lawson and Wells, meant that the lead remained at four and gives Sheffield a slender advantage at the halfway stage.
The highlight for the Window Centre Tigers was the return to form for Richard Hall, whose 12 points included an outstanding ride in heat 15 to defeat Stuart Robson. Ricky Wells proved to be able back-up with paid 11 while guest Richard Lawson weighed in with eight.
Team manager David Hoggart was delighted with the victory, even if he acknowledges the Diamonds will be the favourites going into the second leg; “We’re very happy, it was a great meeting, a good crowd and a fantastic atmosphere.
“The boys rode their hearts out and each and every one of them contributed to the win, we know that we have a challenge in front of us on Sunday but we’ve got a chance. Everybody is very positive and we’re delighted, it was a great night of racing and I think everyone who saw it will agree. That’s the main thing.”
