SHEFFIELD moved back to the top of their League Cup group as they recorded a 49-41 win over Scunthorpe at Owlerton.

The Window Centre Tigers put in a solid all-around team performance to complete a quick-fire double over their local rivals having triumphed at the Eddie Wright Raceway less than a fortnight ago.

They were given a scare early on as the battling Scorpions briefly took the lead after six races – but they came on strong to earn a hard-fought victory.

Joint team manager Eric Boocock admitted it was far from a perfect performance – but he was nonetheless delighted to emerge with their first home win of the campaign.

“It was great to get that first win at home, although I know we can do a lot better,” Boocock said.

“It wasn’t too convincing, but Steady and Dimitri (Berge) were very good, and we had a great score from Nathan (Greaves) down at reserve who has been struggling the last few meetings.”

Skipper Simon Stead dropped just one point with a typically classy performance from the No.1 spot including a fine outside blast to take the chequered flag in heat 15.

He partnered Dimitri Berge to two 5-1s as the flying Frenchman enjoyed arguably the best night of his Tigers’ career so far to bag double figures.

Jason Garrity earned two race wins whilst Kyle Howarth and Josh Bates also bagged a victory apiece despite inconsistent evenings in the middle order.

Young gun Nathan Greaves put in a vital display in the lower order, holding off Carl Wilkinson to win heat two after partner Richard Hall broke down whilst leading.

Hall endured another tough night plagued with bike troubles, forcing him to push around half a lap to pick up a point in heat two, but the Tigers nonetheless emerged with three important League Cup points.

They will aim to hold onto their top spot in the group as they travel to the East of England Showground for a stern test against second-placed Peterborough on Friday (7.30).

SHEFFIELD 49: Simon Stead 12+2, Dimitri Berge 11+1, Jason Garrity 8+1, Kyle Howarth 6+1, Nathan Greaves 6, Josh Bates 4, Richard Hall 2.

SCUNTHORPE 41: Ryan Douglas 13+2, Josh Auty 9+1, Alex Davies 8+2, Carl Wilkinson 6+1, Nicolai Klindt 5, Josh Bailey 0, Zdenek Holub R/R.