SHEFFIELD saw their Knockout Cup hopes ended at the first hurdle as they suffered a 103-77 aggregate defeat against holders Edinburgh.
The Window Centre Tigers travelled to Armdale severely depleted for the second leg of their tie with the Monarchs as they looked to defend their slender two point advantage.
And despite the best efforts of their patched up side, they were condemned to a 59-31 defeat to send them out of the competition. With in-form Andre Compton joining Simon Stead and Ty Proctor on the sidelines, Jack Lee’s side always faced a tough task.
Their job was made even harder as they lost Ashley Birks following an awkward tumble in seven – and although they fought valiantly they could not trouble a powerful Edinburgh side.
Jason Garrity continued his excellent form to top score for the Tigers – notching two classy race wins on his way to double figures.
Guesting duo Lasse Bjerre and Steve Worrall also contributed solid scores after they combined for a 5-1 in the opening race to get Sheffield off to a perfect start.
However, Birks added only one point prior to his crash in his third ride – and with Josh Bates and Arthur Sissis struggling at reserve the visitors were comfortably beaten.
Talented youngster Sissis was left lamenting their misfortunate with almost all of their original side now spending time on the sidelines.
Said Sissis: “We’ve lost so many riders now, we’ve lost almost all our team. There is only really me and Josh (Bates) still standing from the start of the season.
“Obviously we’ve been without Steady, Bellego and Proctor for a while now, then we lost Andre last night and then Ash crashed out tonight which was a big blow.
“He looks like he’s hurt as shoulder, so hopefully he’ll be OK and we’ll be back nearer full strength soon.
“It was really tough, especially going to Edinburgh which is a really tough track and they were riding really well.
“It’s a shame we are out of the Cup, but we’ve just been so unlucky and we hope our fortunes will change pretty soon.”
The depleted Tigers will now have time to regroup ahead of their return to Premier League action at Newcastle a week on Sunday before they host Glasgow on June 4.
EDINBURGH 59: Craig Cook 14+1, Kevin Wolbert 14, Sam Masters 7+2, Erik Riss 7+1, Justin Sedgmen 6+2, Robert Branford 6+2, Max Clegg 5+1
SHEFFIELD 31: Jason Garrity 10, Lasse Bjerre 7+1, Steve Worrall 5+1, Josh Bates 5, Arthur Sissis 3, Ashley Birks 1, Andre Compton R/R
