SHEFFIELD were eliminated from the Premier League Knockout Cup despite a 45-45 home draw against Newcastle.

The Window Centre Tigers' heavy 62-28 defeat in Sunday's first leg against the Diamonds always left the Owlerton outfit with a mountain to climb.

The Tigers did extend their unbeaten home run to ten meetings but co-promoter Damien Bates has challenged his side to kick on in the final few months of the season.

"We were poor over the two legs and Newcastle fully deserved to go through," Bates admitted.

"We should have won tonight's second leg in all honestly but for a number of reasons we didn't quite manage that in the end.

"It's disappointing but I suppose the one positive is that it keeps our decent streak at Owlerton going.

"There's no doubt we need to improve again; we want a positive performance in the Fours this weekend and then we set our sights on the league play-offs again."

Kyle Howarth enjoyed a much more positive evening as he top scored for the Tigers.

Dimitri Berge continued his fine Owlerton form while club captain Simon Stead still reached double figures despite failing to secure a race win on the night.

Arthur Sissis produced his best performance of the season while Josh Bates' tally was affected by a number of mechanical worries throughout the night.

Teenage reserve Nathan Greaves endured another disappointing, frustrating night and will be keen to get back in the points when the Tigers host Peterborough next Thursday.

A Sheffield quartet will represent the club at the East of England Showground this weekend in the prestigious Premier League Fours event.

SHEFFIELD 45: Kyle Howarth 11, Simon Stead 11, Dimitri Berge 10+2, Arthur Sissis 8+1, Josh Bates 5+2, Nathan Greaves 0, Jason Garrity R/R.

NEWCASTLE 45: Robert Lambert 12, Ryan Fisher 9, Ludvig Lindgren 7+1, Victor Palovaara 6, Matej Kus 4+1, Lewis Rose 4, Danny Phillips 3+1.