SHEFFIELD boss Simon Stead insisted the Heat 15 gate choice was “vital” in their hard-fought win against Birmingham.
The 47-43 win at Perry Barr Stadium boosted the Tigers’ to be just five points behind the leaders Ipswich in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership.
Brummies’ 5-1 in Heat 14 led to a last-heat decider, making the gate choice incredibly important for the Tigers and giving them a narrow victory.
Stead said: “I felt having gate choice in Heat 15 could prove vital and that did prove to be the case.
“We just had to make sure we didn’t finish last and Jack and Max rode well together to make sure that didn’t happen and got us over the line.
“It is difficult getting the right guests but it’s something we’ve been doing pretty well lately; Max was brilliant for us, and he fitted into the team really well.”
Tigers’ guest for Tai Woffinden and GP star, Max Fricke, scored 12 for the Tigers.
Brummies captain, Fredrik Lindgren, notched an impressive 13+1, with Zach Cook adding 10 points.
Brummies manager, Sam Ermolenko, said: “Freddie had the choice of taking gate two or four in Heat 15, he let Zach have two which was the better gate, and he did great.
“Freddie battled hard but just couldn’t get over.
“We’re still working on building a solid team and when you’re patching things up with guest riders and not having your 1-7, it is hard.
“It’s hard to get it consistent at the moment, we’re still working on it, and when it does click, we’ll be a force.”
The Brummies will be hoping to bring that force together in their next meet against Belle Vue Aces at home on Monday.
Tigers will be hoping to stay strong against Oxford Spires at home on Thursday.
Words by Freya Taylor.
Images by Taylor Lanning.