SHEFFIELD dug deep to continue their winning home record with a 50-40 victory over Redcar at Owlerton.
The Window Centre Tigers got off to a nightmare start as they conceded 5-1s in each of the opening two races before recovering to claim a 10th successive win on home soil.
David Bellego and Josh Bates both put in spectacular displays for Jack Lee's side, with Bellego only missing out on what would have been a well-deserved maximum in the final race of the night.
They also received crucial support from the returning Jason Garrity, whilst Nicolai Klindt bagged two important wins in his final two rides after a slow start.
Despite enduring a tough night by his high Owlerton standards, guest Brady Kurtz added a solid eight whilst Paco Castagna was involved in a heat six 5-1 to give Sheffield the lead for the first time.
Youngster Zach Wajtknecht battled hard for little reward on his second Premier League appearance as the Tigers emerged victorious in their final home meeting before the play-offs.
Team boss Jack Lee admitted it was far from a perfect performance from his side, but he was nonetheless relieved to see them eventually earn a hard-fought win.
Lee said: "We were suffering from shock a bit after they got two 5-1s in the first two races, but we soon turned things around and all the lads buckled down to make sure we won by 10 points.
"It was a tough night and we struggled early on, but all's well that ends well I suppose!
"It was great to see David Bellego back on form, he had a brilliant meeting, and the main thing was we came away with the three points to pretty much cement our play-off place."
The Tigers will be back in action as they travel to South Tees Motorsport Park for the return fixture against the Bears on Friday (7.30) looking to complete a quick-fire double.
