SHEFFIELD survived a Redcar onslaught to secure a 45-45 draw from their Premier League clash at Owlerton.

Heavy rain made conditions difficult… but both sides put on a good show for the fans on an emotional night.

A perfect silence was observed in the build-up to the meeting in memory of the club’s close friends, Darren and Sharon Boocock, who died in a road accident a week ago.

And when the racing started it was Redcar who took control with a string of fine rides – and a shock performance from James Grieves.

Grieves, so often the subject of ridicule because of his dislike of the Owlerton track, pulled off three straight wins to inspire the Teesside outfit to a comfortable lead.

When the Scot won Heat 7 in poor weather Sheffield were in deep trouble at 24-18 down.

An interval was called as referee Graham Reeve waited for the rain to pass – and Tigers bounced back with a 4-2 in the next race.

Skipper Andre Compton finally managed a win in Heat 12 and with in-form reserve Paul Cooper joining him for a 5-1 the Owlerton side finally managed to get back on level terms.

But former World Champion Gary Havelock teamed up with Ty Proctor to give Redcar a 41-37 lead with two races left – and the home faithful were fearing defeat.

Cooper pulled off a superb win in the next outing alongside Parsons to level the scores and set up a tense last race decider.

Defeat for Redcar would have been harsh – but it looked likely until Ricky Ashworth pulled up with bike problems in the final outing. Skipper Compton saved the day for Sheffield and the result was fair to both sides.

Tigers make the return trip to Redcar on Friday night.

SHEFFIELD: Paul Cooper 14+1, Andre Compton 10, Ricky Ashworth 8+1, Ben Wilson 7, Joel Parsons 6+3, Kyle Hughes 0, Lee Smethills R/R
REDCAR: Gary Havelock 12, Ty Proctor 11+2, James Grieves 10, Klaus Jakobsen 5, Josh Auty 3+1, Chris Kerr 3+1, Arlo Bugeja 1.