Leicester Lion Cubs v Belle Vue Colts

Report

LEICESTER kept their long unbeaten NDL home record going by coming from behind to defeat Belle Vue 51-39.

The Colts raced into a six-point lead after three races but the Lion Cubs turned things around inspired by a 15-point maximum from skipper Joe Thompson.

15-year-old Ashton Boughen also won three races for the home side and was involved in two 5-1s, whilst James Pearson top-scored for the Colts with 9+1.

Leicester boss Dave Howard said: “Having been six points down after four races, to win by twelve points was a fantastic result for us.

“Obviously the track was a little tricky at the start because of the heat and the wind, it was drying and being re-watered, and there was a lot of close racing which meant some people were losing it a bit, but everybody is putting everything in and also learning as they go along.

“All of the Belle Vue riders can score points, so certainly after the start we had, it’s a great result.”

Colts co-boss Graham Goodwin said: “There were a few incidents that caused problems for us, for example in Heat 2 when Luke Muff fell and Paul Bowen laid it down while on a 5-1.

“Paul, unfortunately, hurt his ankle in that incident but the rest of the boys rallied him for the re-run and he went out there and won the race.

“Overall, we can’t grumble. We’re 12 points down on aggregate which is a good position for us in terms of the aggregate point, and the attitude of the boys was, again, exemplary.”

LEICESTER 51: Joe Thompson 15, Ashton Boughen 9, Max Perry 8+1, Tom Spencer 7+1, Adam Roynon 6+2, Max James 5+1, Kai Ward 1+1.
BELLE VUE 39: James Pearson 9+1, Sam Hagon 8+1, Jack Smith 8, Matt Marson 5, Freddy Hodder 3+2, Luke Muff 3+2, Paul Bowen 3.

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Photo credit: STEVE DIXON