Glasgow Tigers got their season under way against Belle Vue Aces

Manchester's Belle Vue Aces defeated the Tigers 48-47 in an inter-league speedway challenge at Ashfield Stadium in Glasgow in the hosts' season opener.

The Tigers were the underdogs against their higher-division counterparts and almost secured a memorable victory.

Shane Parker, Josh Grajczonek and James Grieves put points on the board for the Tigers, helping to keep the impressive Manchester team in their sights.

But Danish rider Charlie Gjedde took the chequered flag for the visitors.

There appeared a gulf in class initially as Belle Vue Aces swept to a 10-point lead by the halfway stage, but the Tigers had the chance to regroup when persistent rain caused a delay while some remedial work was carried out to the track.

Though the comeback was not quite enough to clinch the win, Tigers will look to the performances of Grieves, Parker and Grajczonek in particular as something upon which to build for the season.

The team make their first trip of the year to face old foes Edinburgh Monarchs on Friday evening, with the teams reconvening at Ashfield on Sunday afternoon to determine the winners of the annual Spring Trophy between the sides.

Tigers scorers: Grieves 14, Parker 9, Grajczonek 8, Doolan 4, Juul 4, Brady 4, Davey 2, Andersen 2

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