SHEFFIELD put in a battling display but slipped to a 54-36 defeat in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final tie at Somerset.
The Window Centre Tigers raced into an early lead but the all-around strength of the table-topping Rebels saw them come out on top.
The Owlerton outfit remain in the mix heading into the second leg on home shale on Thursday, September 22.
And team boss Marc Bates was proud of the effort shown by his side despite the absence of key heat-leader Jason Garrity through injury.
“I can’t fault the lads for their effort,” said Bates. “All of them tried their hardest, and we had six riders who were giving their best for Sheffield.
“I couldn’t ask for any more from them, and even though the points might not have been what they all wanted they all gave their best.
“Somerset are a powerful team, and even though we’ve lost by 18 we still have a chance ahead of the home fixture.
“We’ll have to put in a big performance at home in the second leg, but we are still in with a chance which is the main thing.”
Battling Brit Kyle Howarth top scored for the visitors with 11 points, including a heat 15 win to keep their chances of progression alive.
Skipper Simon Stead also put in a solid showing, partnering Howarth for a 5-1 in heat five, whilst Dimitri Berge battled hard for his paid seven.
Australian reserve Arthur Sissis won heat two whilst Josh Bates and Nathan Greaves fought hard for little reward.
But Jake Allen struck a four-ride paid maximum plus Josh Grajczonek and Rohan Tungate starred for the home side.
Sheffield will host the Premier League Riders’ Championship at Owlerton on Sunday (5.30) before the Tigers return to Premier League action at Rye House on Tuesday (7.30).
They will then host a local derby clash with Scunthorpe on Wednesday (7.30) in a bid to secure their top six spot.
SOMERSET 54: Josh Grajczonek 13+1, Rohan Tungate 10, Jake Allen 9+3, Bradley Wilson-Dean 9+2, Paul Starke 7, Charles Wright 6, Darryl Ritchings 0.
SHEFFIELD 36: Kyle Howarth 11, Simon Stead 9+1, Dimitri Berge 6+1, Arthur Sissis 4+1, Josh Bates 4, Nathan Greaves 2+1, Jason Garrity r/r.
