SHEFFIELD bounced back to form with a hard fought 53-42 Premier Trophy win over a powerful Workington Comets side at Owlerton on Thursday.

Richard Hall with a 14-point haul was in magnificent form for the Sheffield Window Centre-backed side to inspire the victory.

But there was some concern over in-form reserve Josh Auty who landed awkwardly after a spill at the start of Heat 12. He was taken to hospital for a check-up but early reports suggested nothing was broken.

And on a bruising night with a series of crashes, Workington reserve Richard Lawson – a potent points scorer in recent weeks – had with pull out with a dislocated shoulder.

Former Tigers skipper Andre Compton made a nightmare return to Owlerton with his new club. After two second placed he suffered two falls but thankfully avoided injury – it was just his pride which was hurt.

Sheffield were behind early on but their upper end strength – which also included a welcome return to points for under-pressure Paul Cooper – enabled them to hit back in style.

With Tigers in control Workington nominated Kevin Doolan for a tactical ride – but try as he might he couldn’t pass the in-form Hall.

And when Adrian Rymel won the next race for double-points to give the Comets a 7-2 win there was still some hope for the visitors.

But Sheffield did enough with some determined riding in the latter stages to give the scoreline a more emphatic appearance.

SHEFFIELD: Richard Hall 14 (PICTURED), Ricky Ashworth 10, Paul Cooper 7+1, Ritchie Hawkins 7+1, Joel Parsons 6+2, Chris Mills 6, Josh Auty 3+2.
WORKINGTON: Adrian Rymel 13+1, Kevin Doolan 12, Luke Priest 7+1, Charles Wright 5+1, Andre Compton 4, John Branney 1, Richard Lawson 0.