SHEFFIELD skipper Kyle Howarth is targeting early victories in the Sports Insure Premiership to help them gain instant momentum.

The reigning Champions kick off their league programme away to the top flight’s two newcomers Oxford (Thursday, March 21) and Birmingham (Monday, March 25).

Howarth’s testimonial event on Thursday, March 14 will see the Tru7 Group Tigers get some early laps in as a team at Owlerton before hosting Oxford on Thursday, March 28.

And while the 30-year-old is expecting a tough title defence this term, he believes the fact Sheffield have included seven riders from last season’s glory campaign can play a big part.

“The team is looking solid from 1-7, it’s looking great and it’s a Grand Final winning contender again,” Howarth said.

“Steady (Simon Stead - team manager) got a great atmosphere going in the team last year and there’s no reason why we can’t have that again.

“If we can keep the team injury free, get the ball rolling early on and get some really big wins early on then there’s no reason why we can’t follow that on through the season.”