SHEFFIELD team manager Marc Bates admitted his side could have no complaints after a 53-38 defeat at Somerset.

The Window Centre Tigers put up a brave fight against the top of the table Rebels but were unable to claim a consolation point.

They headed to the Oaktree Arena desperate to complete a quick-fire double having triumphed 50-40 when the sides met at Owlerton on Thursday.

And although the result did not go their way, Bates was proud of the effort shown by his side against a Somerset side with a dominant home record.

Said Bates: “It’s like Somerset coming to our place, we ride our track well and they ride their track well.

“It’s a similar scoreline to last night, so we haven’t done badly and overall it’s been a pretty good two meetings.

“The whole team have tried their best, maybe it came down to setup slightly, but we can’t have any complaints.

“The lads tried everything possible to get a result, and even though it hasn’t come off we couldn’t have asked for any more.

“It’s a knock back because we’ve lost, but I don’t think anyone will win at Somerset this year so we just have to go again at Newcastle on Sunday.”

Dimitri Berge top scored with double figures, whilst skipper Simon Stead also recorded two race wins.

But they were the only riders to record race wins as Somerset heat-leader Rohan Tungate powered them to victory with a magnificent display.

No.5 Jason Garrity endured a nightmare evening featuring a fall, tapes exclusion and puncture.

Josh Bates and Kyle Howarth were always in the thick of the action, whilst Arthur Sissis and Nathan Greaves fought hard for little reward.

The Tigers will now aim to cap off a busy weekend with a strong away showing as they head to Newcastle on Sunday (6.30).

SOMERSET 53: Rohan Tungate 17, Paul Starke 12+2, Brady Kurtz 10+1, Bradley Wilson-Dean 9+1, Jake Allen 5+1, Luke Chessell 0, Charles Wright r/r.
SHEFFIELD 38: Dimitri Berge 10+1, Simon Stead 8, Kyle Howarth 7+2, Josh Bates 5+1, Nathan Greaves 3+1, Jason Garrity 3, Arthur Sissis 2+1.
Premier League points: Somerset 3 Sheffield 0

Picture: COLIN BURNETT