Sheffield Tigers v King’s Lynn Stars

KING’S Lynn pulled off an incredible comeback to stun Sheffield and collect a 46-44 victory at Owlerton on Thursday.

The Stars moved up to third place in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership with what is believed to be their first-ever win at the South Yorkshire venue – despite having been ten points down with five races remaining.

Remarkably the visitors then reeled off a sequence of four consecutive 5-1s against a Tigers side who have been known for their strong finishes this season, especially at home, and that was enough to confirm victory along with the aggregate point.

Max Fricke led the charge for the visitors with 13 points whilst Ben Cook added 9+1, Josh Pickering (11+1) and Chris Holder (11) both reached double figures for the Tigers as they suffered their first home league defeat of the season.

Stars manager Rob Lyon said: “It was an absolutely terrific performance. This team this year has been like a box of chocolates – you’re not sure what you’re going to get.

“But tonight we got a great team performance, led superbly by our No.1 (Max Fricke); he was the catalyst for the comeback and to be ten down after ten to then win by two was amazing really, and it puts us back in the mix I’m sure.”

Tigers boss Simon Stead said: “They rode really well, they’ve got numerous riders who ride our track very, very well and I was nervous about it all day that they are capable of a result like that and we’ve been on the receiving end.

“They were hungry, they needed to get some points on the board after a couple of home losses themselves and a draw against Northampton and I knew Rob would have them firing.

“You can find loads of excuses – but we’ve got to say well done to King’s Lynn. We’ve got to pick ourselves up and look at our options because R/R (for Jack Holder) is not quite working.”

SHEFFIELD 44: Josh Pickering 11+1, Chris Holder 11, Anders Rowe 8+3, Leon Flint 7+1, Luke Killeen 5+1, Jake Mulford 2, Jack Holder R/R.
KING’S LYNN 46: Max Fricke 13, Ben Cook 9+1, Jan Kvech 8+1, Chris Harris 6+1, Jordan Jenkins 5+1, Cooper Rushen 5, Jody Scott 0.

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Photo credit: CHARLOTTE FLANIGAN