JAMES STARS AS CUBS WIN

LEICESTER reserve Max James enjoyed the best performance of his career as the reigning NDL champions won 47-43 at Edinburgh.

James took seven rides and scored 15+1 for the Lion Cubs, a total which would have been even more but for a fall on the last bend of Heat 14 when he was set for a 5-1 with Ashton Boughen.

Dan Thompson collected 12 points and Boughen added 9+2 as the Cubs won on the road for the first time this season, despite a 15-point maximum for Max Clegg on his debut for the Monarchs Academy. Adam Roynon scored 11 for the hosts.

Cubs boss Dave Howard said: “Max James had the meeting of his career so far, and it was an absolutely incredible performance by him.

“He won races by coming from behind, and later on in the meeting he won from the gate as well. He was just so confident on this track, he said he’d ridden it a couple of times before and liked it, but the way he went round people, and he beat Adam Roynon from the back, was fantastic and he’s coming on so fast.

“Everybody gave everything and to get the first away win was great, and really good for the whole team spirit.”

Clegg said: “I surprised myself a little by doing so well, especially as it is four weeks I think since I had last ridden. I felt a bit rusty in my first ride but settled down after that.

“Leicester have a really good team so I think we did well to run them so close without Jacob Hook in the team. I am looking forward to the return match next week when I feel we can give them a hard match.”

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Photo credit: JACK CUPIDO