Last updated at 11:32, Monday, 15 September 2014

Workington Comets battled their way into the Premier League play-offs after overcoming a stubborn Sheffield Tigers in a scintillating double-header on Saturday.

Tony Jackson: It was too close for comfort

Comets narrowly won the first match of the evening 50-43 to claim three points and then Sheffield fought their way back into the second match to claim a 45-45 draw, which gave Workington just the one league point.

However, four points from the two matches at Derwent Park was enough to lift Comets above Newcastle into the sixth and final play-off position after the North East club failed to pick up any points in a 48-41 loss away to high-flying Edinburgh Monarchs on Saturday.

Workington were made to sweat for their play-off place by a determined Sheffield side. They were 40-20 up after heat 10 in the first match, but Tigers battled back to reduce the gap to just seven points going into the final heat.

A 3-3 in heat 15 meant Comets only just secured a maximum three league points.

Similarly, Comets were eight points ahead after heat 12 in the second match, but Tigers rallied to clinch a draw and take two away points back to Sheffield.

Team manager Tony Jackson said: It was a bit too close for comfort. At the end of the day people dont remember how you get to the play-offs, they just remember you were in it. We have raced two meetings less than everyone and still made the play-offs.

We have got through a lot of matches in such a short space of time. Eight matches in eight days. It has been tough.

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Workington Comets ride into the play-offs