(SPEEDWAY 1)
SHEFFIELD gained a stunning 7-2 final race win over defending champions Birmingham to take the Premier League Pairs title in front of a large crowd at Somerset's Oak Tree Arena. Tigers No.1 Ricky Ashworth went around the outside to hit the front, but it was partner Josh Auty who stole the show as he overhauled Brummies skipper Jason Lyons after Steve Johnston had suffered an engine failure.
Birmingham qualified from group one with solid performances from veteran duo Lyons and Johnston, while after a slow start home team pairing Cory Gathercole and Shane Parker struck back to take second place after drawing with Newcastle, the Rebels taking runners up slot by virtue of their 6-3 heat win over the Diamonds pairing.The second semi final was a little clearer as Sheffield and Glasgow comfortably made the semi finals with the Sheffield pairing of Auty and Ashworth looking menacing.
Birmingham progressed to the final by edging out Glasgow 6-3 as Johnston gained victory from Travis McGowan and Lyons held third place. In the second semi final Sheffield took a 6-3 heat win over Somerset as Auty and Gathercole swapped places several times before the Tigers youngster got the better of Gathercole, with Ashworth taking third place by half a wheel from Parker.
Somerset took third place courtesy of a consolation 6-3 heat win over Glasgow with Parker taking the chequered flag ahead of McGowan as Gathercole kept Josh Grajczonek at bay.
But it was Sheffield who were celebrating with their last-heat win over Birmingham to take the silverware - and coincidentally the two teams meet in the Premier League at Perry Barr on Wednesday.Sheffield co-promoter David Hoggart said: "This is an amazing result for us as a club and gives our fantastic fans some reward for their loyal backing."It's a famous night in the club's history."
(FIXTURES)
SUNDAY JULY 11:
PREMIER LEAGUE: Stoke v Berwick 2pm
WELSH OPEN: Newport 1pm
MONDAY JULY 12:
SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Coventry 7.30, Wolverhampton v Swindon7.30
TUESDAY JULY 13:
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Plymouth 7.30
F.A.S.T GOLDEN HAMMER: Dudley (at Wolverhampton) 7.30
