PREVIEW: SHEFFIELD v BELLE VUE (Prem)

SHEFFIELD and Belle Vue launch the new Premiership season with a repeat of last year’s Grand Final at Owlerton tonight (Thursday).

The Aces emerged victorious on aggregate in October to clinch their first top-flight title since 1993 and now kick off their defence, with the Tigers hotly tipped to challenge once again.

The home side have made two changes from last year, including the return of French star David Bellego who had a spell with them in the second tier in 2015, whilst the Aces have British Champion Dan Bewley back in the No.1 position after missing out on UK racing in ’22.

Sheffield skipper Kyle Howarth said: “It’s going to be a good test for both teams and it’s going to be an interesting meeting to get the season started.

“We know Belle Vue are going to be tough; they’ve put another strong team together and they’ve got riders who go well at Sheffield.

“They might be the reigning champions but the slate is wiped clean, it’s back to a level playing field and it goes without saying that we’d love to start off with a win.”

Aces star Charles Wright said: “Local derbies always have that extra kick, and I’m sure the Grand Final is still fresh in Sheffield’s minds so we’re anticipating they’ll be looking to even the score.

“We’d like to begin our title defence with a win and with this team, I think we have more than enough gas in the tank to bring it home.”

SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, David Bellego, Adam Ellis, Kyle Howarth, Tobiasz Musielak, Lewis Kerr, Dan Gilkes.
BELLE VUE: Dan Bewley, Norick Blodorn, Jaimon Lidsey, Charles Wright, Brady Kurtz, Tom Brennan, Jake Mulford.