Leicester Lion Cubs v Berwick Bullets

The Lion Cubs came away with a 47-42 win over a patched-up Bullets side who had three of their regular riders missing after incidents at Belle Vue on Friday.

Dan Thompson raced to a 15-point maximum for the hosts, including winning Heat 15 after brother Joe had dropped a chain on the start-line, whilst former Leicester rider Connor Coles top-scored for the Bullets with 12 and reserve Jamie Halder added 11+1 from seven rides.

Cubs boss Dave Howard said: “It was the first time everyone had been on the track, and obviously it was riding differently to how it did last year, so to get the win was the most important thing with all the falls and exclusions.

“Max James changed his bike for Heat 14 and it was a great performance from him to come from where he was on the first bend. To come away with a win there was great for the team and also great for his confidence.

“Everybody had some good things to take away, which will be good for them, and we’ve just got to get some laps here before the next meeting in May, and after that it becomes more regular. The main thing was to get the win, and we achieved that.”

Berwick boss Jamie Courtney said: “Jamie Halder’s attitude and application over the weekend has been outstanding and a reminder of just why we are committed to running a National League team.

“We knew we were up against it after Friday’s event in Manchester but the four remaining Bullets knuckled down and applied themselves to the task in hand. I am immensely proud of the effort of the team and everyone helping in the pits.”