SHEFFIELD Tigers put their impressive winning run on the line when high-flying Newcastle Diamonds visit Owlerton on Thursday (7.45).

And club owner Neil Machin is predicting a classic contest with the Tyneside team also on a blistering run of form.

Said Machin: "This has all the makings of a classic. The fans are in for a treat because Newcastle will push our riders to the limit. I'm looking forward to it."

Ricky Ashworth has recovered from a problem with his ears which required syringing earlier this week and will take his place in the side – and Simon Lambert makes his second appearance for the club at reserve.

Newacstle’s Kenni Larsen has attracted the interest of several high profile Elite League clubs and is the latest in a long line of Danes starting their UK career on Tyneside. Others include former World Champion Nicki Pedersen and current world title hopeful Kenneth Bjerre.

And Mark Lemon is widely regarded as an Owlerton track specialist who is sure to be a genuine threat to the Tigers’ big guns.

Meanwhile Sheffield will be represented by Ashworth and Josh Auty in tomorrow’s Premier League Pairs at Somerset – and if they reach the final Ashworth will treat himself to his first ever trip to the British GP on Saturday!

“If you see me in Cardiff on Saturday you’ll know we’ve done well,” said Ashworth. “If I’m not there it means we missed the final!”

SHEFFIELD: Ricky Ashworth, Hugh Skidmore, Josef Franc, Richard Hall, Josh Auty, Paul Cooper, Simon Lambert.

NEWCASTLE: Kenni Larsen, Derek Sneddon, Jason King, Rene Bach, Mark Lemon, Dakota North, Anders Andersen.