Speedway: Kyle Howarth hands Sheffield boost ahead of play off semifinal at Belle Vue

The Tru7 Group Tigers had been sweating on the availability of skipper Kyle Howarth, after the rider suffered a wrist injury while riding for Scunthorpe on Friday.

But today, the long serving Tigers’ star has confirmed he will ride at the National Speedway stadium, in what will be the first leg of a two legged semi final in the Premiership play-offs, as the team fights to retain the title they won last season.

Sheffield said in a statement today: “Captain Kyle Howarth will take his place in Sheffield’s line-up at Belle Vue tonight (Monday) for the first leg of their Rowe Motor Oil Premiership play-off semi-final.

“The Tru7 Group Tigers’ skipper jolted his wrist whilst racing for Scunthorpe on Friday and was forced to miss Sunday’s Championship League Riders’ Championship after being advised to rest his injury.

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“Having done so, whilst still in some discomfort, he will ride at number two as Sheffield look to put themselves in a decent position ahead of Thursday’s decider at Owlerton.”

> Tigers’ rider Josh Pickering has won the Championship Riders Championship, finishing top of the podium in the meeting at Redcar last night.

Pickering also riders for Edinburgh in the Championship.