Sheffield Tigers overcome deficit to enjoy convincing aggregate win over Belle Vue Aces
JOSH PICKERING saluted the efforts of his Sheffield Tigers team-mates after they secured the aggregate point in their Premiership Knockout Cup clash against Belle Vue Aces at Owlerton.
In front of a big crowd on the first home meeting of the season, the Tigers enjoyed a 56-34 win, given them an overall victory of 98-82 following Monday night’s first leg at Belle Vue.
It leaves the Tigers top of the Northern Section.
The South Yorkshire side got off to a dream start against an understrength Aces side with a 5-1 in the opener from Jack Holder and Anders Rowe and looked set for another in Heat Three.
But a good ride from Peter Kildemand saw him split Chris Holder and Leon Flint as the Tigers moved six ahead on the night.
A run of 3-3s followed before a strong mid-meeting showing saw them seize full control of the contest.
The Tigers hit four 5-1s and a 4-2 to open up a 24 point lead which took the pressure off the closing stages as the visitors won the final four races, three of which came courtesy of classy British Grand Prix star Dan Bewley.
Sheffield captain Josh Pickering said: “We set out with a bit of a task in hand - we ran them very close at Belle Vue and I was glad to have a convincing win here in the end.
“We all settled in quite well; I know Leon’s not overly impressed with his results here tonight but the rest of the boys chipped in, got the points when we needed to with heat advantages and it was very important for us to stretch that lead and maintain.”
Pickering and Chris Holder won their opening three outings each before Bewley ruined their maximum hopes late on.
Opening pairing Jack Holder and Anders Rowe and reserve Jye Etheridge all raced their way to paid double figures.
Rising Star Luke Killeen battled hard and got himself involved in a Heat Eight 5-1 while Leon Flint’s night was disrupted by frustrating bike problems ahead of Heat Five.
The Tigers now have a two-week break ahead of a big final home group stage clash against Leicester on April 16.
Sheffield Tigers – 56: Chris Holder 13, Josh Pickering 12+1, Jye Etheridge 9+2, Jack Holder 9+1, Anders Rowe 8+3, Leon Flint 3+1, Luke Killeen 2+1.
Belle Vue Aces – 34: Dan Bewley 16, Zach Cook 5, Will Cairns 3+1, Kye Thomson 3+1, Chris Harris 3, Peter Kildemand 3, Tate Zischke 1+1.
Sheffield win the aggregate point 98-82.