SHEFFIELD co-promoter Damien Bates praised the fighting spirit of his side after a 48-42 win in their Premier League Play-Off Quarter-Final first leg against Newcastle at Owlerton.


The Window Centre Tigers dug deep to emerge with a slender lead ahead of Sunday’s second leg at Brough Park.

Despite being without injured top two Simon Stead and Jason Garrity, the home side claimed a hard-fought triumph on the night.

Whilst Bates admits a bigger victory margin would have been welcomed, he was delighted to simply come out on top in a tense encounter.

Bates said: “It’s always good to get a win, and Newcastle are a very good team so we’re pleased with the result.

“We haven’t got Steady or Jason, and it’s always going to be tough without your top two, especially against a side with as many top riders as Newcastle.

“It was a good team performance and I’m happy. We’d obviously have liked to take a bigger lead into the second leg, but the boys gave it their all and we couldn’t ask for much more from them.

“Ricky Wells did a fantastic job as a guest, Kyle Howarth had another good meeting and Josh (Bates) did what we all know he can do – he was spectacular tonight.”

Josh Bates top scored with paid 15 whilst Wells and Howarth recorded double figures with impressive showings.

French ace Dimitri Berge won heat one on his way to nine points, whilst Arthur Sissis took the chequered flag in heat two and reserve partner Nathan Greaves fought to a vital two points.

PREMIER LEAGUE PLAY OFF QUARTER FINAL, 1st leg
SHEFFIELD 48: Josh Bates 13+2, Ricky Wells 11+2, Kyle Howarth 10, Dimitri Berge 9, Arthur Sissis 3, Nathan Greaves 2, Jason Garrity r/r.
NEWCASTLE 42: Robert Lambert 14, Matej Kus 9, Victor Palovaara 6, Ashley Morris 4+2, Ludvig Lindgren 4, Steve Worrall 4, Danny Phillips 1.