SHEFFIELD Tigers pulled off a Bank Holiday blockbuster to brush aside rivals Scunthorpe 53-40 and put themselves in the driving seat for a League Cup Semi-Final.
Plucky youngster Josh Bates battled through the pain barrier just 72-hours after suffering a shoulder knock to top score for the Sheffield Window Centre side – but it was a solid all-round team effort in front of a bumper crowd.
Boss Jack Lee said: “The team spirit is great, everyone did their job and this is a superb win for the lads.
“It’s a long season and there are some very good teams in the Premier League, but the early signs for us are very encouraging.”
Barnsley racer Bates was well-supported with Andre Compton 9+2, former Scunthorpe man Ashley Birks 9 and Ty Proctor 8+2 all being paid for double-figures.
Tigers launch their Premier League programme against Plymouth Devils at Owlerton this Thursday, April 9, with a bumper crowd expected on the back of three straight wins.
SCUNTHORPE 40: Josh Auty 15, Carl Wilkinson 11, David Howe 6+1, Ellis Perks 3, Theo Pijper 3, Nike Lunna 2+1, Alex Davies 0.
SHEFFIELD 53: Josh Bates 11+1, Andre Compton 9+2, Ashley Birks 9, Ty Proctor 8+2, Simon Stead 7+1, David Bellego 6+3, Arthur Sissis 3+2.
