But things didn’t quite go to plan for the BikeRight Aces early doors after being on the wrong end of a clutch of heat advantages in favour of the visitors which put them behind, albeit only by 2 points.
The home heroes quickly levelled the score and dug their claws in, holding the TruPlant Tigers in a deadlock broken only by a sensational 5-1 by opposing duo Justin Sedgmen and Kyle Howarth.
True to their unique style at the National Speedway Stadium, the BikeRight Aces rose to the challenge and came good when it counted to seal the win and claim their first league points of the season.
After a slow start, club No.1 Brady Kurtz was quick to find his usual mojo in Manchester and says that nerves were certainly settled once the win was in the bag.
He said: “I found it quite difficult coming back to England if I’m honest. The tracks and the bikes all feel so different but I’m sure I will settle into my usual routine very quickly.
“It’s the same for a lot of the boys, most of us haven’t raced for nearly two years now but we’re hungry and we are so ready to kick on with the season at last.
“Starting off with a win at home is always what you want but it certainly settled a few nerves in the pits once we’d managed to get it in the bag, and all the boys chipped in for it.
“Sheffield have got a pretty strong team. They definitely kept us honest and pushed us very hard but that again is something that we need because it brings out the best in us.
“I personally had a pretty tough night, I felt I had the speed, but I just couldn’t get off the start. But there’s always room for improvement and I’m confident we will get on top of this for the next one.”
The BikeRight Aces travel to Ipswich this coming Thursday (May 20) to face off against the Witches, while the Cool Running Colts kick off their NDL season in Manchester on Friday, May 21 against Newcastle.
Tickets for the latter are available online only at this time via bellevue-speedway.com and must be purchased in advance of the meeting. There will be no ticket sales at the stadium.
RESULT – BELLE VUE V SHEFFIELD – MONDAY, MAY 17
Belle Vue ‘BikeRight’ Aces 47: Dan Bewley 12+1, Brady Kurtz 9, Jye Etheridge 9+1, Richie Worrall 6+2, Charles Wright 5+1, Steve Worrall 3+1, Tom Brennan 3
Sheffield ‘TruPlant’ Tigers 43: Jack Holder 19, Kyle Howarth 8+3, Justin Sedgmen 7+1, Josh Bates 5, James Wright 2+1, Troy Batchelor 2, Adam Ellis R/R