Speedway: Redcar 45 Sheffield Tigers 45

Super Sheffield roared to the top of the Premier League table after a dramatic 45-45 draw at Redcar.

The tremendous Tigers put in another gutsy team effort – only being denied a last-gasp away win by former favourite David Bellego.

The French racer saw off Simon Stead and Kyle Howarth in a tense heat 15 decider, although the Owlerton outfit claimed a well-deserved two points to leapfrog Peterborough and Glasgow to reach the second tier summit.

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Despite being without influential duo Jason Garrity and Josh Bates through injury, the Yorkshiremen demonstrated their determination throughout as they looked to repeat their 51-41 win on home shale 24 hours earlier.

Skipper Stead stormed to two impressive wins early on, being partnered by guest Matej Kus in heat five to open up a six-point lead.

However, the home side drew level heading into the interval – and from that point on there was nothing to separate the sides in what was a tense contest throughout.

Middle order man Howarth pulled off the ride of the night as he bravely blasted from last to first in heat 13 – and when reserve Arthur Sissis won the penultimate race the visitors had high hopes of snatching victory.

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Although they were forced to settle for two Premier League points, it was nonetheless a positive result to take from the Teesside track.

Sissis starred with paid double figures at reserve, recovering from a harsh exclusion in heat six to take the chequered flag on two occasions.

Stead and Howarth also offered vital firepower in the heat-leader positions with Garrity ruled out.

In-form young gun Dimitri Berge put in a strong showing whilst teenage racer Nathan Greaves won heat two in composed fashion to notch a creditable score.

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The Tigers will now prepare to host a challenge match with National League outfit Cradley next Thursday (7.30) before returning to Premier League action with a mouth-watering clash with fellow title hopefuls Glasgow at Ashfield on Sunday, July 3.

Redcar 45: David Bellego 12+1, Lasse Bjerre 10, Hugh Skidmore 9, Tobias Busch 5+1, Carl Wilkinson 5, Simon Lambert 2+1, Lee Payne 2.

Sheffield 45: Simon Stead 10, Arthur Sissis 9+2, Kyle Howarth 9+1, Dimitri Berge 8, Matej Kus 5+1, Nathan Greaves 4, Jason Garrity r/r.