SHEFFIELD made it two wins out of two and continued their bright start to the 2014 campaign with a hard-fought 48-41 victory over Newcastle at Owlerton.

A determined display from the Tigers ensured their perfect start to the League Cup schedule continued as they edged a tight encounter against a strong Diamonds side.

Skipper Simon Stead put in a brilliant performance from the No.1 position to lead his side to victory – dropping just one point from his five rides and combining with Taylor Poole for a decisive 4-2 in the final race to give the home side all three points.

Aussie ace Poole also enjoyed a fine evening to make double figures – helping form a vital partnership with the experienced Leigh Lanham in the engine room of the side.

Flying Dane Simon Nielsen also recorded two tremendous race wins – one of them paid – whilst Adam Roynon completed a solid top five which had only three last places all evening..

Veteran Andre Compton helped bolster the Tigers lower order with a strong showing at reserve – and although youngster Josh Bates endured a tough evening Sheffield still took an encouraging win.

And team boss Joe Screen was delighted to see his side emerge victorious following a tough clash.

He said: “It was hard work with the wet weather we had not really helping us in terms of our home track advantage.

“We knew from the start it was going to be difficult because Newcastle have got some good riders in their side, but the lads managed to pull it off in the end and it was a great result.

“Things didn’t always go our way and we had a few mechanical problems in the pits which didn’t help, but we came through in the end to get three points so we are all really happy.”

Sheffield 48: Simon Stead 14, Taylor Poole 10+1, Leigh Lanham 7+1, Andre Compton 7+1, Simon Nielsen 5+1, Adam Roynon 5, Josh Bates 0

Newcastle 41: Stuart Robson 11, AntonRosen 8+1, Ludvig Lindgren 7, Christian Henry 5, Lewis Kerr 4+1, Chris Schramm 4, Lewis Rose 2+2