Sheffield Tigers v Belle Vue Aces

Report

SHEFFIELD raced to an emphatic 55-35 home win over Roses rivals Belle Vue in a statement performance approaching the business end of the season.

The Tigers put on a strong all-round display to advance to the brink of confirming their play-off place in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership.

Jack Holder scored 13 and was unbeaten after a third place in Heat 1 and there was another impressive display from Rising Star Leon Flint who also scored 13 and was involved in two late 5-1s to extend the margin of victory.

The Aces’ three heat-leaders scored all but five of their points, with Dan Bewley leading the way on 13+1 as they missed the chance to gain ground on leaders Ipswich.

Tigers manager Simon Stead said: “I thought it was going to be a difficult one against such a powerhouse team like Belle Vue, especially with the way Dan and Brady (Kurtz) ride this place in particular.

“But I’m really happy because it was a complete team display; I know Jye (Etheridge) was a bit shy of points, but I can’t fault his efforts at all.

“It was the sort of result and performance we needed, and it keeps August’s record looking really strong for now, which can be really important in this run up to the business end.”

Aces boss Mark Lemon said: “We’ve got to go to Ipswich on Thursday and we’ve got to step up our away performances if we are going to do anything come the play-offs.

“I feel a little bit disappointed tonight. Our two world class riders Dan and Brady are really flying high with confidence. The rest of the team not so much.

“You’ve got to hit the dirt line here and sadly the boys haven’t been punching enough.”

SHEFFIELD 55: Jack Holder 13, Leon Flint 13, Chris Holder 8, Josh Pickering 7+2, Anders Rowe 7+1, Nick Morris 6+3, Jye Etheridge 1.
BELLE VUE 35: Dan Bewley 13+1, Brady Kurtz 9+1, Jaimon Lidsey 8, Zach Cook 2+1, Jake Mulford 2, Norick Blodorn 1, Tate Zischke 0.

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Photo credit: IAN CHARLES