Leicester Lion Cubs v Middlesbrough Tigers

LEICESTER made a winning start to their WSRA National Development League campaign by overcoming Middlesbrough 53-37 on Sunday.

The Lion Cubs were the stronger all-round team and new signing Freddy Hodder went close to a maximum on his debut.

Hodder won his first four rides but was then on the receiving end of a 5-1 in Heat 15 as Ace Pijper and Nathan Ablitt collected a late consolation for the Tigers.

Ben Morley, with 10+1, was also in double figures for the home side along with Hodder on 13, and youngster Ryan Ingram picked up 9+1.

Ablitt (11+1), Pijper (11) and reserve Charlie Southwick (10) dominated the Tigers’ scoring with heat leader Ben Trigger absent from the meeting.

Leicester manager Jen Crossland said: “It was an absolutely great team performance, and I loved the atmosphere in the pits as well.

“There are such a good bunch so I’m chuffed for them with the result, but I did say they were good!

“I’m gutted for Freddy not getting his maximum, but he did insist on gate four, that’s all I’m going to say!”

WSRA NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
LEICESTER 53: Freddy Hodder 13, Ben Morley 10+1, Ryan Ingram 9+1, Tom Spencer 7+2, Max Perry 6+3, Seth Norman 6+1, Eli Meadows 2.
MIDDLESBROUGH 37: Nathan Ablitt 11+1, Ace Pijper 11, Charlie Southwick 10, Harry Sadler 3, Kai Ward 2+2, Stene Pijper 0, Harry Fletcher 0.

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Photo credit: STEVE DIXON