SHEFFIELD stormed to a spectacular 57-35 win against local rivals Scunthorpe in their season-opener at Owlerton.

A convincing display from the Window Centre Tigers saw them kick-off their League Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a resounding victory.

Skipper Simon Stead picked up where he left off in 2014 with a faultless display to lead the new-look side, and he was delighted to start 2015 with a win.

Said Stead: “It’s always nice to start the season with a win, and also a pretty dominant performance where every rider contributed.

“We wanted to set our stall out, we knew what we wanted to achieve and I think we’ve come out and managed to achieve it.”

Whilst Stead put in an imperious showing, he received plenty of support as Jack Lee’s new-look side put in a superb all-around team display.

Experienced No.2 Andre Compton returned from injury in stunning fashion, suffering just one defeat and twice joining forces with Stead for important 5-1s.

New winter recruits Ashley Birks and David Bellego added plenty of firepower with impressive showings, whilst Ty Proctor notched a vital 6+3 in the engine room of the side.

A determined display from youngster Josh Bates at reserve saw him bolster the lower order, and although Arthur Sissis experienced a tough debut he displayed plenty of encouraging signs.

Jack Lee’s side raced into a six point lead after just two races and were always in control as they put in a fine all-around team showing.
Sheffield will be back in action at Owlerton next Thursday as they take on Redcar in their second League Cup clash of the campaign.

SHEFFIELD 57: Simon Stead 14+1, Ashley Birks 10+1, Andre Compton 9+1, David Bellego 9, Josh Bates 7+1, Ty Proctor 6+3, Arthur Sissis 2.

SCUNTHORPE 35: Josh Auty 11, Carl Wilkinson 11, Theo Pijper 5, Alex Davies 3+1, Ellis Perks 2, David Howe 2, Nike Lunna 1+1
League cup points: Sheffield 3 Scunthorpe 0.