Sheffield Tigers v King’s Lynn Stars

Report

SHEFFIELD moved back up to second in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership courtesy of a 58-31 home win over King’s Lynn – their biggest of the season so far.

It was the fifth meeting in succession that the Tigers broke the 50-point barrier at Owlerton with another dominant performance.

Already missing captain Nicolai Klindt, the visitors were reduced to just five riders when Benjamin Basso crashed out of Heat 3 and the Tigers, already two up at that point, went on to take full advantage.

Holder brothers Jack (12+1) and Chris (12-point maximum) were well backed by Josh Pickering with 11+2, whilst guest Tom Brennan recorded a four-ride paid maximum with 10+2.

The Stars were heavily reliant on captain Niels-Kristian Iversen, who worked hard for 13 points, and Jan Kvech who posted 9+1.

Sheffield manager Simon Stead said: “I was obviously really pleased with the final scoreline and it was just how we wanted to start this really important period as a team.

“Obviously King’s Lynn had some bad luck when they lost Benjamin Basso in Heat Three and with us then going up against a five-man outfit, it moved the odds even more in our favour.

“We can only ride what we’re put up against though and it was another comfortable home win for us.”
Iversen said: “It was difficult. Obviously we lost Ben and we’re already short of riders so it didn’t make it any easier.

“I felt like I was doing every second race almost so it was demanding for the boys.

“If you’re down to five riders, you need everyone to score pretty well to be able to do anything but we had our struggles today.”

SHEFFIELD 58: Jack Holder 12+1, Chris Holder 12, Josh Pickering 11+2, Tom Brennan 10+2, Jason Edwards 6+2, Kyle Howarth 4, Dan Gilkes 3+2.
KING’S LYNN 31: Niels-Kristian Iversen 13, Jan Kvech 9+1, Anders Rowe 7+1, Patryk Wojdylo 1+1, Justin Sedgmen 1, Benjamin Basso 0, Nicolai Klindt r/r.

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Photo credit: CHARLOTTE FLANIGAN