NEW Sheffield joint team manager Marc Bates was keen to look at the positives after his side suffered a 59-34 defeat against Elite League side Leicester in their opening meeting of the season.

The Window Centre Tigers were well-beaten by the top flight outfit in the first leg of their inter-league challenge at Beaumont Park.

However, Bates was quick to point to plenty of encouraging signs despite the result – and he is confident they will perform much better in the return leg at Owlerton on Thursday (7.30).

Bates said: “It’s been good for all the riders to get some track time and get some racing. You can practice as much as you want, nothing can compare to being lined up next to three other riders at the tapes.

“There were some positives to take from it. Jason (Garrity) rode extremely well, Dimitri (Berge) improved as the meeting went on, Richard (Hall) scored some good points and everyone kept trying until the end.

“Considering it was against an Elite League team in an Elite League format I think we held our own, and I’m sure we’ll give a much better account of ourselves in the return fixture on Thursday.”

Jason Garrity top scored for the visitors with a fine display, adding a tactical ride victory and taking the chequered flag in heat 15.
Reserve Richard Hall also impressed with a determined performance on his Tigers’ return, whilst Kyle Howarth was in the thick of the action throughout.

French racer Dimitri Berge improved as the meeting progressed, whilst Josh Bates, Nathan Greaves and guesting No.1 Josh Grajczonek all battled hard against strong opposition.

LEICESTER 59: Josh Auty 12, Patrick Hougaard 11, Szymon Wozniak 10+1, Paul Starke 7+3, Nicolai Klindt 7+2, Sebastian Ulamek 7+2, Grzegorz Walasek 5+1.

SHEFFIELD 34: Jason Garrity 14, Richard Hall 7+1, Kyle Howarth 4, Dimitri Berge 3+1, Josh Grajczonek 3, Josh Bates 2, Nathan Greaves 1.