SHEFFIELD claimed a shock 50-37 win over Rye House at Hoddesdon – but their sensational victory was marred by a heat 15 horror crash for Simon Stead.

The inspirational Tigers’ skipper had gone unbeaten in his opening four rides to help lead his side to an unexpected victory before disaster struck.

He hit the front in the final race and appeared on course for a 5-1 with David Bellego.

However, he picked up some drive and clipped the fence on the third lap, clashing with the Frenchman as he hit the deck.

Stead was airlifted to hospital as a precautionary measure as the full extent of his injuries was not known, although he was conscious and had full feeling.

The meeting was abandoned with the result declared due to lack of medical cover as staff attended to Stead, who is feared to have suffered a possible left arm fracture and left hip injury.

It is hoped Stead’s injuries will prove not as bad as first feared, whilst Bellego appeared to escape without serious injury despite being in discomfort with abrasion to his thigh.

Tigers’ co-promoter Peter Mole was full of praise for the Owlerton outfit, as they ended a run of over a decade without a win at Rye House to make it six wins out of six in all competitions.

However, he was saddened to see the meeting reach an unfortunate conclusion – and he is hoping for positive news on Stead.

Said Mole: “I feel absolutely elated with the performance and a great win, but we are just totally gutted because of what happened in heat 15.

“We wish Simon all the very best and hope his injuries aren’t as bad as first feared. He was on fire once again so it’s a massive shame what happened to him in the end.

“It was a tremendous performance from all the boys and a great win for us, it’s just sad it was overshadowed somewhat by what happened to Steady.”

RYE HOUSE 37: Edward Kennett 14, Anders Mellgren 9+2, Nico Covatti 8, Steve Boxall 2+1, Rob Branford 2+1, Robin Aspegren 2, Nikolaj B Jakobsen r/r.

SHEFFIELD 50: Simon Stead 11+1, Ty Proctor 10+1, David Bellego 7+1, Ashley Birks 6+1, Andre Compton 6+1, Arthur Sissis 6, Josh Bates 4.

Abandoned after Heat 14 (medical treatment required) – Result stands