SHEFFIELD were again unable to gain any league points on their travels as they suffered a 50-40 defeat at Ipswich.

It was a third straight Championship defeat on the road for the reigning Champions who know they need to up their game.

Tigers got their noses in front in the early stages and led by two points after four races.

But a lacklustre spell saw them concede six straight heat advantages to allow the Foxhall side to take control of the meeting.

They were mainly undone by home skipper Rory Schlein who powered to a full 15-point maximum.

And while team manager Simon Stead again couldn’t hide his disappointment, he was keen to reiterate how early in the season it still is.

He said: “Of course I’m disappointed not to come away with anything again but in all honesty we probably didn’t deserve anything from that performance overall.

“I can’t knock too many of the boys but there were a couple of areas where we lacked the points we needed.

“It is a bit frustrating but at the same time, we’re only five points into our league campaign.

“There’s still a long way to go but we know we need to improve pretty quickly.”

Captain Kyle Howarth and fellow heat-leader Charles Wright contributed almost half of Sheffield’s total between them while James Shanes again impressed at reserve with paid double figures.

Jan Graversen and Jack Smith chipped in with a race win apiece while Lasse Bjerre and Todd Kurtz suffered below par performances.

Sheffield are back in action next Thursday when they host Berwick at Owlerton.

IPSWICH 50: Rory Schlein 15, Nico Covatti 10+1, Danyon Hume 7, Danny King 6, Cameron Heeps 5+1, James Sarjeant 4+1, Connor Mountain 3.

SHEFFIELD 40: Kyle Howarth 11+2, James Shanes 8+2, Charles Wright 7+1, Jan Graversen 4, Lasse Bjerre 4, Todd Kurtz 3, Jack Smith 3.