SHEFFIELD travel to Ipswich on Thursday (April 25, 7.30 pm) as last year's Grand Finalists go head-to-head once again.

The Tru7 Group Tigers were beaten by 18 points in tricky track conditions on that occasion at Foxhall – but created history by overturning that deficit to win the top-flight title for the very first time last October.

The reigning champions have been gaining momentum in recent outings, winning their last two, including a 58-32 home rout over King’s Lynn at Owlerton.

And whilst acknowledging the fact that this is certain to be a much different test, team boss Simon Stead hopes the confidence his side are currently carrying can help play a part.

“I think there are plenty of positives that all of the lads can take from recent meetings,” Stead said.

“Everyone’s getting into their groove now and it was great to see Dan (Gilkes) finish off three unbeaten against King’s Lynn as well.

“He’s had a tough start to the year personally but he’s been putting a real shift in behind the scenes and I was really proud of him last Thursday.

“We know Ipswich is a tough place to go to and we know they’ve put together another strong side this year once again – but our boys are feeling good about themselves and I’m interested to see what they can go and do in this current mood.”

Both sides are at full strength for the clash with the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership aggregate point for this one to be decided at Owlerton on Monday, May 13.

IPSWICH: Emil Sayfutdinov, Jordan Jenkins, Danny King, Adam Ellis, Jason Doyle, Keynan Rew, Dan Thompson.
SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Kyle Howarth, Chris Holder, Josh Pickering, Tai Woffinden, Jason Edwards, Dan Gilkes.