BATES READY TO REPEAT FEAT
BOYHOOD Sheffield fan Damien Bates has described the club’s 2023 Sports Insure Premiership glory as his best achievement yet – but now he wants to repeat that feat this term.
The Tigers have reached the play-offs in all three seasons since they returned to the top flight, going one step further each time and winning last year’s Grand Final in a thriller against Ipswich.
Bates said: “I still get a certain excitement every Thursday when I’m going to the speedway. It doesn’t matter what my role is or how much it can stress you out at times, that fan side never comes away from you.
“Of course there’s the serious business side to it all which has to overrule your heart along the way, but ultimately Sheffield is my team and I always want us to do as best as we can for everyone involved.
“To win any trophy with Sheffield is both exciting and emotional, but to win the top league really was the best achievement I’ve had.
“Hopefully that league win can kick us on to even bigger and better things in 2024 and beyond.”
*Sheffield launch their title defence at home to newcomers Oxford on Thursday March 21, with the opening Owlerton action one week earlier on March 14 as skipper Kyle Howarth celebrates his Testimonial.
