SHEFFIELD Tigers went agonisingly close to an away win at Somerset before going down 48-45 on Friday.

The Sheffield Window Centre-backed side showed plenty of grit and determination after recent disappointments to take the meeting to a last heat decider after plenty of entertainment and drama.

It was a brilliant effort with both Josef Franc and Australian ace Hugh Skidmore taking knocks to hand the meeting to a relieved home team.

Franc was forced to withdraw from the meeting after he was forced off the bike by Rebels star Cory Gathercole in Heat 7. He was able to walk back to the pits but was clearly in discomfort from rib injuries and is now a major doubt for Saturday’s trip to Rye House and a major continental Long Track meeting on Sunday.

Skipper Paul Cooper also had an expensive night when he blew an engine which was a massive blow to both the rider and the team on a night of good, competitive racing.

Eric Boocock’s men were able to stay in the hunt when Josh Auty took a tactical ride in Heat 10 and partnered the determined Cooper for a brilliant 8-1 in Heat 10.

Tigers took the lead with a 5-1 from Cooper and fellow reserve Arlo Bugeja in Heat 12 – only for the Rebels to go a point up in the penultimate race.

And in a tense last heat decider Somerset did enough to send their fans home happy after a brilliant night of racing.

Sheffield co-boss David Hoggart said: “This was a brilliant meeting and there is no doubt we would have won but for Josef Franc’s injury. He’s coming with us to Rye House and he will make a late decision over whether he can race. We’re proud of the lads tonight.”

SOMERSET: Shane Parker 14+1, Cory Gathercole 12, Mark Baseby 7+2, James Holder 7, Ritchie Hawkins 4+1, Lubos Tomicek 4, Sam Masters R/R.

SHEFFIELD: Josh Auty 14, Ricky Ashworth 10, Richard Hall 6, Arlo Bugeja 5+2, Paul Cooper 5+1, Hugh Skidmore 4+1, Josef Franc 1+1.