SHEFFIELD’S Kyle Howarth reported no ill effects after making a successful return to competitive action post-operation on Thursday.

Howarth battled his way to seven points at the National Speedway Stadium putting himself in contention for a place in the unique five-rider semi-final.

Ironically, fellow Tiger Richard Lawson also racked up seven points in qualifying but by virtue of a race win, one more than Howarth, took the final spot in the latter stages.

Owlerton track specialist Lawson managed to safely navigate the last chance race-off from gate five - taking third place on the line to book his place in the Grand Final.

In a moment of history for the sport on these shores, six riders lined up from the tapes to compete for the prestigious Peter Craven Memorial Trophy. A frantic four laps followed with Lawson agonisingly missing out on a medal in fourth.

Both Howarth and Lawson can now look forward to hopefully a much busier season next time around.