SHEFFIELD Tigers saw their Premier League Play-off hopes dented with a 47-43 home defeat by title chasing Newcastle at Owlerton on Thursday.

The meeting provided plenty of good racing for the fans and for most of the night the outcome was in doubt.

But the Sheffield Window Centre-backed side only provided three racewinners throughout the meeting and Newcastle had too much firepower in their top four, including plenty of points from the back.

Aussie ace Mark Lemon again showed his liking for the super-fast Owlerton raceway with a flawless 15-point maximum.

Rising stars Kenni Larsen and Rene Bach, who are both attracting interest from Elite League clubs, were equally impressive with 10-points each. Larsen was untouchable in his first three rides before tailing off.

Ricky Ashworth and Josh Auty represent Sheffield at the Premier League Pairs Championship at Somerset on Friday (7.30).

SHEFFIELD: Richard Hall 10, Josh Auty 10, Hugh Skidmore 7+1, Ricky Ashworth 5, Josef Franc 4+2, Paul Cooper 4+1, Simon Lambert 3+2.

NEWCASTLE: Mark Lemon 15, Kenni Larsen 10, Rene Bach 10, Dakota North 10, Jason King 2, Derek Sneddon 0, Anders Anderson 0.