BATES: BRING ON ROSES BATTLE

SHEFFIELD promoter Damien Bates says he’s relishing the prospect of the club’s upcoming Bank Holiday double with Roses rivals Belle Vue.

The Tigers saw their reign as league champions ended by the Aces in a close-fought play-off semi-final last September, with the Manchester side going on to lift the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership title.

Their first clashes of 2025 take place on Monday with a high noon showdown at the National Speedway Stadium before a 6.30pm return at Owlerton which also features an NDL fixture between the Steelers and the Colts.

Bates said: “Our rivalry with Belle Vue seems to grow and grow each year, they might deny that but we know deep down that’s what they think as well, and we want to beat them every time we take them on.

“They did win the league last year, I know they’re confident about doing that again this year and they have got a decent side again – but so have we.”