SHEFFIELD are hoping to put themselves in a favourable position when they stage the first leg of their ROWE Motor Oil Premiership Play-Off Semi-Final against Leicester on Thursday (September 18).
The Tru7 Group Tigers will be looking to build up a lead at Owlerton ahead of the decider at the Hydroscand Arena next Monday (September 22).
They head into the play-offs on the back of a brilliant away win at league leaders Ipswich and with their meetings against Leicester this term progressively improving, skipper Josh Pickering says he and his team-mates are ready for the business end of the season.
“Well we’ve met them six times already this season and I feel that every time we’ve versed them we’ve just got better and better,” Pickering said.
“They beat us quite heavily away the first couple of times and then they came to our place and edged it twice as well.
“But in the Round 2 league meetings, we were much better down there and only lost by six and then finally beat them at home by 10 and got the aggregate point so that does leave us feeling in a good position going into this.
“The weather has started to change, the tracks have started to get a little bit trickier but I feel that could benefit us at Sheffield in that regard.
“When the weather was quite similar at the start of the year, we were dominant so hopefully we can turn that in our favour again now at the back end of the season.
“Either way, Leicester is going to be a good old test - but we’re ready for it!
Supporters are reminded that the Carvery Restaurant, Panorama Room and Snack Bar will all be open as usual and the 2025 ‘Tiger Talk’ racenight programme will again be available for £4.
Parade is set to take place at Owlerton around 7.30pm with TNT Sports going live on air at 7.45pm with Heat One expected at 7.50pm.
Prices have been frozen for the semi-final meaning that admission on the night will remain at £25 adults, £23 concessions (over 65s and students - both with evidence), £5 juniors (aged 12-17), whilst it’s just £1 for all kids aged 11 and under.
A reminder also that Season Tickets are not valid for the play-offs but holders will be able to collect their signed team photograph once through the turnstiles ahead of the clash against the Lions.
Meanwhile, supporters are also reminded that anyone who didn’t claim a refund before the set deadline from the postponed clash against Ipswich (August 28) can either use their re-admission tickets for the play-off semi-final against Leicester on Thursday or the rearranged Ipswich fixture (which has now been set for Thursday, September 25 should that reserved date not be required for any play-off restaging) ONLY. Supporters should note that under no circumstances will any more refunds be given for the postponed fixture.
SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Leon Flint, Chris Holder, Nick Morris, Josh Pickering, Anders Rowe, Jye Etheridge. LEICESTER: Max Fricke, Luke Becker, Ryan Douglas, Kyle Howarth, Sam Masters, Drew Kemp, Joe Thompson.
