Sheffield 49, Scunthorpe 41: Tigers roar to double over local rivals

Simon Stead leads Dimitri Berge and Josh Auty in heat one. Pic: Andy Garner

Just 11 days after racing to a stunning triumph at the Eddie Wright Raceway, the tremendous Tigers defeated the Scorpions 49-41 to earn three more League Cup points.

It was a strong all-around team performance from the hosts to regain their position at the top of their League Cup group ahead of their mouth-watering clash with second-placed Peterborough at the East of England Showground tonight (7.30).

The Tigers were given a scare early on and found themselves behind as Scunthorpe struck a second 5-1 in three races in heat five.

However, the flying Stead and Berge partnership combined with ease for the second time in heat six – and from that point on Sheffield never looked back as they recorded a confidence-boosting victory.

The Stead and Berge partnership arguably made all the difference, with Frenchman Berge particularly impressive as he highlighted his speed and raw talent with some emphatic wins.

Skipper Stead was also as reliable as ever as he dropped just one point and pulled off a daring outside blast to hit the front in heat 15.

However, it was a pleasing team performance as six riders tasted race wins and all showed flashes of their potential.

All-action No.5 Jason Garrity put in arguably his best showing of the season so far, flying to two victories and looking much quicker than in recent weeks.

Kyle Howarth and Josh Bates recovered from tough starts to deliver a timely 5-1 in heat nine, whilst Nathan Greaves bounced back from his recent struggles with a vital performance.

He held off Carl Wilkinson for victory in heat two after partner Richard Hall had broken down whilst leading before fighting to three more important points in the lower order.

Hall, who has recently been struggling with illness, also showed plenty of fighting spirit as he pushed home for over half a lap for a point after his bike troubles in heat two.

The Tigers will now be searching for another away win as they face a tough test at Peterborough tonight looking to strengthen their grip on the top spot in their League Cup group.

n Sheffield 49: Simon Stead 12+2, Dimitri Berge 11+1, Jason Garrity 8+1, Kyle Howarth 6+1, Nathan Greaves 6, Josh Bates 4, Richard Hall 2.

n Scunthorpe 41: Ryan Douglas 13+2, Josh Auty 9+1, Alex Davies 8+2, Carl Wilkinson 6+1, Nicolai Klindt 5, Josh Bailey 0, Zdenek Holub R/R.