SHEFFIELD'S Jack Young Shield hopes are in the balance after their hard fought 51-38 first leg quarter-final win over Rye House at Owlerton on Thursday.
Skipper Ricky Ashworth, the newly crowned Premier League Riders' Champion, romped to a 15-point haul and received useful support from his colleagues - including club asset James Birkinshaw who made a rare appearance at reserve for the injured Hugh Skidmore.
Two 4-2s were negated by a Rye 5-1 in heat 11 as Josh Auty hit the tapes and was put back 15 metres. The teenager gave chase but smashed into the safety fence on the second lap, although he was amazingly able to walk away.
That left the visitors 36-29 down and it was only a 4-2 in heat 14, followed by a maximum from Ashworth and Auty in the finale that gave Sheffield a glimmer of hope as they head to the tight Hoddesdon track.
Ashworth's maximum hopes were only spoiled by a two-minute exclusion, while Auty and Birkinshaw were excellent value for their efforts.
The return leg is on Saturday.
TIGERS: R. Ashworth 15, J. Auty 12+1, J. Birkinshaw 9+2, C. Mills 5+2, J. Parsons 5+2, S. Smith 5. RYE HOUSE: J. Haines 15, C. Neath 9+1, L. Sundstrom 8+1, L. Bowen 3, B. Hopwood 3, M. Davey 0.
