SHEFFIELD joint team manager Eric Boocock says he was impressed by the attitude shown by both sides in Thursday's challenge against Cradley.

A Tigers select side suffered a narrow 47-43 defeat at Owlerton after conceding a 5-1 in the final race of the night.

But Boocock reiterated the night was never about the result and was encouraged by the performance of both septets.

"This was always about giving some promising riders some extra competitive racing time," said Boocock.

"I have to say, I was very impressed by what I saw and it shows that the future is bright in British Speedway.

"Both Jacks (Smith and Parkinson-Blackburn) looked really impressive when you consider their ages (17 and 15) and when they learn to team ride a little better, they could be a useful duo!

"Joe Lawlor kept plugging away and I was pleased he managed to get a paid win in the end too.

"Our two Premier League reserves (Arthur Sissis and Nathan Greaves) enjoyed the extra laps and they showed plenty of speed over the course of the night."

Sissis and Greaves chipped in with 21 points between them in a worthwhile exercise for the duo.

Jack Smith had a really impressive night at No.4 while 15-year-old Jack Parkinson-Blackburn enjoyed a solid night in Sheffield colours.

Joe Lawlor helped take the meeting down to a last heat decider with a paid win in heat 14 and deserved even more points for his efforts.

Chris Widman put in a steady showing before pulling out of the meeting following a crash in heat 11 and David Speight only took one outing after being cursed by mechanical gremlins all night.

The Tigers return to Premier League action this Sunday when they travel to leaders Glasgow.

SHEFFIELD 43: Arthur Sissis 12, Nathan Greaves 9+1, Jack Smith 9, Jack Parkinson-Blackburn 5+3, Joe Lawlor 4+1, Chris Widman 3+1, David Speight 1.

CRADLEY 47: Ashley Morris 13+1, Luke Chessell 10, Max Clegg 10, Bradley Andrews 6+2, Layne Cupitt 4, Ben Basford 3, Richard Andrews 1+1.