Race to get Sheffield Tigers' rider fit for Thursday

Club co-owner Mole labelled them a ‘four man team’ in the 53-37 Shield defeat on Tyneside.

Now they’re hoping Kyle Howarth will recover from his bruised thigh in time for Thursday’s league opener against Peterborough at Owlerton.

Said Mole: “I was optimistic before the meeting. We obviously knew it was a blow to be without Kyle (Howarth), but we had a very good guest in Jason Garrity.

“Unfortunately I came away very disappointed. We were basically just a four-man team. I can’t fault Jack Smith particularly, but we did expect more from some members of the team.

“Rider replacement didn’t work again, and we need to look at this as a management team because it is costing us away from home.

“There were positives – it was a good performance again from Charles Wright who is proving to be a great signing, Jason Garrity was a good guest and James Shanes fought hard for a good score as well.

“Unfortunately Lasse Bjerre had a nightmare night with equipment and didn’t actually complete a race, which was probably what cost us at least a point in the end.

“We move on, and we’re looking forward to starting our league campaign on Thursday.”

Mole says the team put together during the winter remains good enough to compete for honours.

“We’ve had problems, losing Josh Bates to injury before the season even started, but we still believe the team is good enough,” he said.

“Peterborough will be a tough test for us on Thursday and I expect a really god, competitive meeting.

“They’re a strong side and it’s always good to see Scott Nicholls riding around Owlerton, it’s a big night in prospect.

“Hopefully Lasse will have sorted his machinery problems out by then and Kyle will be fighting fit.

“We’ll need to be firing on all cylinders but we know what we are capable of and I’m sure we have enough strength to get off to a winning start. I’m looking forward to it despite the disappointment of Newcastle.”