LIONS WIN WITCHES CLASSIC

LEICESTER secured their ROWE Motor Oil Premiership play-off place with a 49-41 win over Ipswich in a thriller at the Hydroscand Arena.

Captain Max Fricke completed a 14+1 paid maximum in Heat 15 when he combined with Ryan Douglas for a 5-1 over Tom Brennan and Emil Sayfutdinov after the Witches had set up a last-heat decider.

Fricke had earlier produced a remarkable move to pass both Brennan and Dan Thompson on the line in Heat 6 with the Lions’ three heat-leaders accounting for 11 race wins.

The unbeaten show from Fricke was backed up by 14 points from Douglas and 10 from Sam Masters, whilst Thompson racked up 12+2 at reserve against his former club as he kept the visitors in contention.

Fricke said: “It was a difficult meeting. Ipswich are top of the league for a reason, and they pushed us all the way so it was a tough night, but it was great to get a win over them in the end.

“It was tricky for Luke (Becker) but credit to him because he’s doing an amazing job, and the hard work he’s done to get here is credit to him. For him to be back on track with us is awesome.

“I’m excited about what’s to come. It’s great to be racing a lot and we’re having a good time with this team of guys, and the support we’re getting is amazing.”

Ipswich manager Ritchie Hawkins said: “It was a really close meeting throughout, we never quite got our noses in front, and they managed to keep in front all night.

“We managed to take it to a last-heat decider and took the aggregate point which was important for us if we are going to finish top.

“Overall, there were some positives and some good performances and a couple of riders who struggled more than they normally would here. We did what we needed to do without being spectacular.”

Watch the action from Heat 6 (courtesy of LIONS TV)

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Photo credit: MIA DURKIN