SHEFFIELD continued their impressive home form with a resounding 55-37 victory over Workington at Owlerton.
The Window Centre Tigers were once again in superb form as they stormed to their third successive win and three more Premier League points.
All seven riders recorded at least one race win in what was a fine all-around team effort from Jack Lee’s side.
And team boss Lee was delighted to see his team keep in touch with the Premier League top four with a convincing display.
Said Lee: “It was a great win for the boys. I thought Workington would run us a little closer to be honest, but our lads got stuck in early doors and didn’t really give them a chance to get back into the meeting.
“We are really happy with that result, and it keeps us well up in the play-off zone which is the main thing.
“All the lads are really riding well, everyone played their part tonight and it was another good team performance.”
Guesting No.1 Brady Kurtz stepped in and performed spectacularly in place of Simon Stead, dropping just one point and setting the fastest time of the season as he led a Tigers’ 5-1 in the opening race.
He was joined at the front in heat one by Ashley Birks as the local lad continued his recent run of good form with a battling display.
Yet popular youngster Josh Bates was arguably the star man as again as he suffered just one defeat to an opposing rider with another confident display.
The former British Under 21 Champion was involved in some spectacular battles with opposite number Kenneth Hansen, whilst he brilliantly fought from the back to pass both Hansen and Rene Bach for second place in heat 12.
Frenchman David Bellego and the flying Jason Garrity both impressed in the middle order, joining forces for an impressive 5-1 in heat five as Sheffield seized control of the meeting early on.
Skipper Andre Compton endured misfortune as he suffered a puncture whilst comfortably leading heat seven although he bounced back to win heat 11 in breathtaking fashion.
Improving Australian Arthur Sissis held his nerve to fend off a Bach tactical ride following Compton’s bike troubles in heat seven as he notched a hard-fought four points at reserve.
All in all it was another confidence-boosting night for the Tigers as they continue to defy their injury misfortune to remain right in play-off contention.
They will now turn their attentions to a mouth-watering League Cup semi-final first leg away at Glasgow on Tuesday (7.30) before they host Berwick on July 9.
SHEFFIELD 55: Brady Kurtz 14, Jason Garrity 10+1, Josh Bates 9+2, David Bellego 8+1, Ashley Birks 6+2, Andre Compton 4+1, Arthur Sissis 4
