Sheffield Tigers v Wolverhampton Wolves

SHEFFIELD took a giant step towards Premiership play-off qualification with a 51-39 home win over Wolverhampton.

It means the Tigers now need just two points from their final five regular fixtures to cement their place in the top four, whilst Wolves remain one point short of confirming their own spot.

Jack Holder led the way at Owlerton with 14 points with new No.1 Tobiasz Musielak adding 13+2 and Lewis Kerr scored nine on his home debut. Sam Masters scored 12 and Luke Becker added 10 for the visitors.

Sheffield co-promoter Damien Bates said: “That was a really good win against a strong Wolverhampton team.

“Yes, Wolves have got a few riders who aren’t 100 per cent at the minute but the way we rode I think we’d have beaten them anyway.

“This is a really big month for us now and to start it off with a performance and a win like that is just what we needed.”

Wolves boss Peter Adams said: “I think there are a few factors we’ve got to take into account here.

“Ryan Douglas is obviously feeling his way back after his lay-off, but I do think he got better as the night went on. Sam’s still in a lot of difficulty, he was sore after Heat 1, but he battled on as he has done all through this period.

“And of course the rider replacement position for Stevie Worrall affected us a lot I think. All-in-all I think the boys battled well and it’s quite a respectable score given all of the circumstances.”

SHEFFIELD 51: Jack Holder 14, Tobiasz Musielak 13+1, Lewis Kerr 9, Connor Mountain 6+1, Kyle Howarth 6, Justin Sedgmen 3+2, Adam Ellis r/r.
WOLVERHAMPTON 39: Sam Masters 12, Luke Becker 10, Ryan Douglas 8+2, Leon Flint 5, Nick Morris 4, Drew Kemp 0, Steve Worrall r/r.

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Photo credit: PHIL McGLYNN