PATCHED-UP Sheffield defied the odds to earn a remarkable 49-44 away win at Glasgow.
The Window Centre Tigers were already set to head to Scotland without Todd Kurtz and Josh Bates due to injury and the World Under 21 Team Cup Final respectively.
They were dealt a further blow when Lasse Bjerre was ruled out after a crash riding for Leicester last night and Georgie Wood withdrew early in the day due to illness.
Despite club bosses working tirelessly to cover their absences, they were eventually forced to track two local Development League riders, Blair Smith and Kevin Whelan, who both failed to score despite their best efforts.
But their four remaining riders put in a truly extraordinary effort to end Glasgow’s unbeaten home record in quite brilliant fashion.
Team boss Simon Stead was understandably full of praise for his depleted side after keeping their winning run going.
Said Stead: “I always believed we could get something out of the meeting, but to get the win was an incredible effort from the team.
“Lewis Kerr was a great guest and the rest of the team stepped up. All three Sheffield riders were superb, and it was a stunning effort we could be really proud of.
“We had a lot of Sheffield riders make the trip up tonight, and it wasn’t ideal having to track the team we did, but to come away with a victory despite all that is a fantastic feeling.”
Josh Grajczonek struck a faultless, five-ride maximum whilst skipper Kyle Howarth notched 16+1 including a tactical ride win in heat eight to kick-start a comeback from 12 points down.
Guest Lewis Kerr also notched double figures whilst reserve Jan Graversen claimed eight vital points on a memorable night.
After making it 13 wins on the spin, the Tigers will be back in action at Redcar on Friday (7.30) before hosting Ipswich and Redcar in a mouth-watering double header at Owlerton next Sunday (3.30).
GLASGOW 44: Richard Lawson 11, Aaron Summers 10+1, Ryan Douglas 8+2, Richie Worrall 6+1, Tom Perry 6, Jack Smith 3, Nike Lunna r/r. SHEFFIELD 49: Kyle Howarth 16+1, Josh Grajczonek 15, Lewis Kerr 10+1, Jan Graversen 8, Blair Smith 0, Kevin Whelan 0, Lasse Bjerre r/r.
