LIONS PRAISE FOR ACES’ VICTORY

LEICESTER manager Stewart Dickson offered his congratulations to new champions Belle Vue after missing out in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership Grand Final.

The Lions had been the league’s form team in late summer as they marched into the top four thanks to a ten-match unbeaten run.

But they were unable to replicate that level of performance in the play-offs, and after edging out Ipswich in a close semi-final they were beaten both home and away by the Aces in the title decider.

Dickson said: “Of course we’re disappointed. We kind of knew from Heat 2 onwards that it wasn’t going to be our night.

“We did want to win our home leg, that’s for sure, but Belle Vue did ride well.

“I have to congratulate them, they were the better team over the two legs and they thoroughly deserved it.”

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Photo credit: IAN CHARLES