SHEFFIELD stormed back to winning ways with a 50-40 victory over Somerset at Owlerton.


The Window Centre Tigers ended their five-meeting winless run and also condemned the high-flying Rebels to their first defeat of the Premier League campaign.

Just two points separated the sides entering the final four races, but the hosts came on strong in the closing stages to secure an important three points.

Skipper Simon Stead led the home side superbly, reeling off four imperious race wins before narrowly missing out on a maximum in heat 15.

Stead believes their win over the in-form Rebels sends a clear message to their Premier League rivals as they look to revive their title ambitions.

“It was a huge meeting for us, so I was pleased that the boys stepped it up,” Stead said.

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks, but beating a side as good as Somerset, who haven’t lost this season, really puts down a marker and can be a stepping stone to get back to where we want to be.

“There is more to come both from me and the team, and this was a massive step in the right direction.”

Stead received superb support from flying No.5 Jason Garrity, who fortunately emerged unscathed from a fall on the opening bend of heat 15.

Dimitri Berge also impressed in the engine room of the side, suffering just one defeat from his four rides.

He wrapped up victory with a heat 14 triumph, but it was Arthur Sissis who delivered the ride of the night to overcome Bradley Wilson-Dean and join him at the front.

Josh Bates and Kyle Howarth also made solid contributions, and although young reserve Nathan Greaves endured another tough night they still came out on top.

The Tigers will now head to the Oaktree Arena high on confidence for the return fixture on Friday (7.30).

SHEFFIELD 50: Simon Stead 14, Dimitri Berge 9+1, Jason Garrity 9+1, Arthur Sissis 7+2, Josh Bates 6+1, Kyle Howarth 5, Nathan Greaves 0
SOMERSET 40: Rohan Tungate 8, Jake Allen 7+2, Bradley Wilson-Dean 7+1, Josh Grajczonek 6, Paul Starke 5, Dan Bewley 4+1, Charles Wright 3+1
Premier League points: Sheffield 3 Somerset 0