Scunthorpe Scorpions v Leicester Lions

SCUNTHORPE withstood a Leicester fightback to edge out the Lions 46-44 in the Championship Jubilee League on Friday.

The Scorpions were in control at 29-19 up after eight races but the visitors came back to force a last-heat decider, where home No.1 Ryan Douglas took a vital second place behind Richie Worrall but ahead of Kyle Howarth.

Douglas top-scored for the hosts with 16 points whilst reserve Zaine Kennedy chipped in with 12+1. Worrall (11+1), guest Richard Lawson (10+1) and Howarth (10) were all in double figures for the Lions, who gained what could be an important point in the group.

Scorpions skipper Simon Lambert said: “It was good to get a win and three points on the board. We’d have liked to stop Leicester getting a point, but the most important thing was to win, while there was some good racing out there.

“I had a bit of a steady night for myself, but we win as a team and lose as a team. Zaine hit some real good form at reserve, which was good to see, while Dougie was Dougie – he’s one of the best No.1s in the league, if not the best.”

Lions boss Stewart Dickson said: “We’re digging in there. We’re not quite at the same level as we have been in the months of May and June, and we won’t be kidded on about that, but we’re working hard and we managed to pull ourselves back in.

“Considering it wasn’t our best performance we’ve got to be happy with that, and it was a good, hard-fought match. Hopefully now if we win our two home matches it will be enough to get us into the Final.

“We know we’re not quite at it, one or two boys are not in the form they were in a couple of months ago, but it was a gusty performance from Max (Clegg) after he struggled last week. He got his just rewards, and I’m well pleased for him.”

CHAMPIONSHIP JUBILEE LEAGUE
SCUNTHORPE 46: Ryan Douglas 16, Zaine Kennedy 12+1, James Wright 9+1, Simon Lambert 6+1, Adam Roynon 2, Kasper Andersen 1, Jake Allen r/r
LEICESTER 44: Richie Worrall 11+1, Richard Lawson 10+1, Kyle Howarth 10, Max Clegg 7+1, Connor Mountain 3+1, Dan Thompson 3+1, Joe Thompson 0
Championship Jubilee League points: Scunthorpe 3 Leicester 1

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Photo credit: IAN RISPIN