TIGERS ARE PLAY-OFF BOUND

SHEFFIELD confirmed their place in the top-flight play-offs for a fifth straight year with a 46-43 win in an eventful clash at Oxford.

Just as they did back in May, the Tigers fought back from a ten-point deficit at Cowley to claim the points as they mathematically secured their top four finish in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership.

They were 35-25 down after Heat 10 but a big turning point came in the next race when flying Spires reserve Peter Kildemand fell on the third bend with his team-mate Maciej Janowski having already retired, meaning the Tigers took a 5-0.

Skipper Josh Pickering and Leon Flint then cut the gap to one point with a 5-1 in Heat 12, and the Tigers moved one point ahead as they went into the decider where Pickering produced a great ride to pass Rohan Tungate.

Jack Holder led a solid-scoring Sheffield effort with 10+1 whilst Kildemand (14) and Tungate (11) top scored for the Spires, who saw Rising Star reserve Luke Killeen crash out in Heat 2 (wrist injury).

Tigers boss Simon Stead said: “I can’t remember a meeting where two gates have been so dominant like one and three were in this one and when you look through each of the heat results, you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.

“But that made Picko’s ride in Heat 15 even more special, and it was a great way to wrap things up.

“We didn’t have things all our own way tonight, but it was great to see everyone pulling in the same direction.”

Kildemand said: “When I saw we had a full team and there wasn’t rider replacement, I thought that it was going to be an easier night and that I was unlikely to take seven rides.

“But then Luke crashed out – I hope he’s going to be okay – and that meant a busy night for me. 

“When I crashed and Maciej’s bike packed up, the 5-0 changed the momentum of the meeting. But that’s sport for you – sometimes you’re lucky and sometimes you’re unlucky.”

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Photo credit: LES AUBREY