SHEFFIELD slipped to a 49-41 defeat against local rivals Scunthorpe in wet conditions at the Eddie Wright Raceway.

The new-look Window Centre Tigers battled hard on a tricky surface before back to back Scorpions 5-1s in heats 13 and 14 ensured they left empty handed in their final regular Premier League fixture of the season.

It was a tough afternoon for Jack Lee's side as they missed out on a sixth successive win heading into the play-offs - but co-promoter Damien Bates was keen to focus on the positives.

Bates said: "The track was really wet to start with, and gating was vital early on although it did dry out and we got some good racing as the meeting went on. Fair play to Rob and all the track staff at Scunthorpe, they did a fantastic job to just get the meeting on.

"The track conditions weren't ideal and I think that went against us a little bit, in normal conditions I think we could well have got a win.

"Jason (Garrity) justified his place at No.1 with a great performance, Paco (Castagna) rode much better at reserve and David Bellego has started to kick on now so there were plenty of positives to take from it heading into the play-offs."

Jason Garrity enjoyed a superb introduction to the No.1 race jacket to top score for the visitors whilst David Bellego continued his recent upturn in form to also notch double figures as the pair combined for a 5-1 in heat 15.

Italian ace Paco Castagna was much-improved as he moved down to reserve whilst fans' favourite Andre Compton put in a creditable showing on his return to the side including a classy race win in heat nine.

Meanwhile, Nicolai Klindt pulled off a dramatic victory from the back in heat seven but otherwise failed to score, whilst Josh Bates and debutant Robin Aspegren struggled despite their best efforts as the Tigers fell short of a consolation point.

Having wrapped up their regular season programme, they will now prepare for the play-offs as they bid for Premier League glory.

Meanwhile, Owlerton will host the Premier League Riders' Championship on Sunday, September 6 (5pm) with a bumper crowd expected for the prestigious event.

SCUNTHORPE 49: Theo Pijper 11, Leigh Lanham 10+1, Alex Davies 8+2, Carl Wilkinson 7+1, Andreas Lyager 5, Zdenek Holub 4+2, Nike Lunna 4+1.

SHEFFIELD 41: Jason Garrity 12, David Bellego 10+1, Andre Compton 6, Paco Castagna 5+3, Nicolai Klindt 3, Josh Bates 3, Robin Aspegren 2.