Sheffield v Hull - Premier league decider?

Sheffield Tigers face local rivals Hull Vikings on Wednesday and Thursday in fixtures that will have a huge influence on the destination of the 2001 Premier League championship.

Hull currently lead the table by six points from Sheffield which gives the fixtures added significance over and above the usual Yorkshire pride.

The two sides first meet at Hull on Wednesday night with the return at Owlerton on Thursday. Sheffield have an unbeaten record at Hull this season following victories in a pre-season challenge and the Premier Trophy - but Hull are a different side now as shown by their league position.

Large crowds are anticipated at both venues for what are sure to be classic encounters. Can the pure power of Sean Wilson, Robbie Kessler and Simon Stead snuff out the all round balance of Hull?

And it's a big week for Simon Stead as he prepares for the World Under-21 Final at Peterborough on Sunday afternoon. Could Sheffield have a world champion by Sunday tea-time?