A DEPLETED Sheffield went down to a 53-40 Premier League defeat at Edinburgh on Friday night, but they did return home with the consolation of the aggregate bonus point.

Already without James Birkinshaw, they went into the clash against the Scottish outfit without skipper Andre Compton and James Cockle who picked up injuries in Thursday night’s home win against Birmingham. Former Tiger Lee Complin came in for Compton and David Speight got the call to replace Cockle.

The home side got off to a flying start which saw them open up an unassailable 39-21 lead after heat 10, but better things were to follow for Sheffield in heat 11 when Ricky Ashworth was nominated for the tactical ride. Ashworth beat Matt Wethers into second place and with Ben Wilson third, the resulting 7-2 reduced the deficit to 41-28.

There was more good news for the travelling Tigers supporters when Complin and Cooper raced to a 4-2 in heat 12, but Edinburgh hit back with a five-pointer from Wethers and Stancl in heat 13.

Heat 14 was shared and then Sheffield finished the night with a consolation 4-2 from Complin and Ashworth in heat 15.

The battle for the Premier League play-offs hots up next week when the Tigers travel to fellow play-off hopefuls Isle of Wight on Tuesday evening, before hosting the Islanders in the return fixture at Owlerton two days later.

EDINBURGH 53: Matthew Wethers 13, Kaj Laukkanen 11, Derek Sneddon 10, George Stancl 8+2, Andrew Tully 7+1, Ben Taylor 3, Kalle Katajisto 1+1.

SHEFFIELD 40: Ricky Ashworth 12, Lee Complin 10+1, Paul Cooper 9+1, Joel Parsons 7, Ben Wilson 2+1, David Speight 0, James Birkinshaw R/R.