SHEFFIELD boss Simon Stead says he couldn’t have asked for anymore from his riders after they were cruelly denied a place in this year’s ROWE Motor Oil Premiership Grand Final.
The Tru7 Group Tigers were beaten 47-43 at Leicester on Monday night, which saw the hosts edge the tie 90-89 on contest with home skipper Max Fricke wrapping it up in the very last race.
There was an understandable somber mood in the away side of the Hydroscand Arena pits with plenty of reflection on going – mainly thinking back to last week’s eventful first leg clash where their 14 point advantage was reduced to just three points in the final three races, including what now has proven to be an even more controversial Heat 14 at Owlerton.
But one thing’s for sure, the Tigers produced a battling, spirited display in the East Midlands but it is Leicester who progress to meet Ipswich in the Grand Final.
“I can’t ask for anymore than that, they’ve given me absolutely everything over the two legs just as they have all season,” Stead said.
“We’re all disappointed as a team, I’m disappointed for the riders and our management and we’re all disappointed for the fans but it was a great effort.
“It does leave a bit of a sour taste in our mouths because we didn’t lose it tonight, there were a lot of bits that went on last Thursday that made it difficult probably.”
Sheffield’s senior side are in action for the final time this Thursday (September 25, 7.30pm) as they host Ipswich in their final outstanding fixture of the campaign.
ROWE MOTOR OIL PREMIERSHIP PLAY-OFF, SEMI-FINAL, 2nd LEG
LEICESTER 47: Max Fricke 12+1, Kyle Howarth 9, Ryan Douglas 8, Luke Becker 6+1, Sam Masters 6, Drew Kemp 6, Joe Thompson 0.
SHEFFIELD 43: Jack Holder 10, Anders Rowe 10, Josh Pickering 8+1, Maciej Janowski 6+1, Jye Etheridge 5+1, Chris Holder 4, Leon Flint 0.
Leicester win 90-89 on aggregate
Photo credit: STEVE DIXON
