We’ll tame the Tigers, says English

Mar 29 2008 The Journal

FRESH from an excellent away draw at Redcar on Thursday, the Newcastle Diamonds are hosts to the Sheffield Tigers at the Newcastle Stadium tomorrow (5.30pm start).

It’s seen as a critical Premier Trophy match with the qualification league so finely balanced, tomorrow’s result could decide if it’s the Diamonds or Tigers who make it through to the semi-finals.

Sheffield, led by former Diamond Andre Compton are sitting in control at the moment as they’ve already taken victory at an away track, giving them three points. A win at Redcar on Thursday would have eased the pressure but now it’s all hinging on what is sure to be a fiercely-fought contest.

Newcastle team manager George English said: “This section could be decided on match point difference which means that in all our remaining Premier Trophy matches we must aim to win by big margins We have got to be looking to hit 50-plus and the lads know that. They are all very capable of sending the Tigers home with their tails between their legs.”

Sheffield arrive with a good side led by Compton but also have big-hitters like Ricky Ashworth, Paul Cooper and Ben Wilson in the team, all of whom are capable of double-figure scores on their day. At reserve they have another ex-Diamond in Lee Smethills, who seems to enjoy his returns.

NEWCASTLE DIAMONDS: Christian Henry (Capt.), Ben Powell, Josef Franc, Jason King, George Stancl, Jamie Robertson and Sean Stoddart.

SHEFFIELD TIGERS: Andre Compton (Capt.), Joel Parsons, Ricky Ashworth, Paul Cooper, Ben Wilson, Sam Martin, Lee Smethills.