SHEFFIELD endured their worst night of the season so far as they were beaten 62-28 by Newcastle in the first leg of their Knockout Cup quarter-final tie.

The Window Centre Tigers were well beaten on a difficult evening at Brough Park as they recorded just three race wins and ran 13 last places.

It was certainly a night to forget for the Owlerton outfit, leaving them with a mountain to climb to progress as they host the second leg on Thursday (7.30).

Co-promoter Peter Mole admitted it was a hugely disappointing performance from the depleted Tigers, who were without Jason Garrity (arm) and Josh Bates (knee) due to injuries.

However, he was full of praise for a ruthless Newcastle team, for whom Swedish duo Victor Palovaara and Ludvig Lindgren both went unbeaten.

“It didn’t go to plan for us, and it’s difficult to say if we were poor or Newcastle were very good,” said Mole.

“It was probably a combination of both in the end. We were below par and it was a very disappointing performance, but Newcastle rode very well and showed how strong they are at home.

“Their three heat-leaders were always expected to be strong, but Ludvig Lindgren, Victor Palovaara and Lewis Rose all scored big points and they had race wins in every department.

“There were a few surprising refereeing decisions, but it was a bad night at the office for us and not the result we wanted from the first leg.

“Hopefully we can get our confidence back on Thursday with a win. We know we’ll need something special to get through, but it’s not over yet and we’ll be out to try and get a big win in the second leg.”

Kyle Howarth top scored for the Tigers with eight points and delivered arguably the highlight of their evening with an excellent heat four victory.

Skipper Simon Stead scored 7+1 but endured an off night by his high standards, culminating in a controversial heat 13 exclusion.

Guest Jonas B Andersen fought hard in place of Josh Bates, but Dimitri Berge struggled to get to grips with the tricky Brough Park track whilst reserve duo Nathan Greaves and Arthur Sissis also made minimal impact.

Having seen their five-meeting unbeaten run brought to an abrupt end, the Tigers will look to continue their fine home form in the second leg at Owlerton on Thursday (7.30).

NEWCASTLE 62: Victor Palovaara 13+2, Ludvig Lindgren 12+3, Robert Lambert 10, Lewis Rose 9+2, Matej Kus 9, Steve Worrall 7+2, Danny Phillips 2+1.
SHEFFIELD 28: Kyle Howarth 8, Simon Stead 7+1, Jonas B Andersen 7, Dimitri Berge 3, Nathan Greaves 2, Arthur Sissis 1+1, Jason Garrity R/R.