Oxford Spires v Leicester Lions

Report

LEICESTER are still in the fight to finish top of the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership after racing to a 50-40 win at Oxford.

The Lions remain the league’s form team and are now unbeaten in ten matches with the result effectively guaranteeing a first or second place finish ahead of the play-offs, with home and away encounters with King’s Lynn to come next week.

Luke Becker kept up his own sensational run of form with 13 points as the Lions led all the way at Cowley, whilst captain Max Fricke added 12+1.

Maciej Janowski (9+1) top-scored for the Spires as they completed their first season back at this level with a home defeat.

Leicester manager Stewart Dickson said: “We were pushed all the way by Oxford, we expected a tough meeting, we knew what we were coming into and we battled hard.

“We stuck to the job in hand, and we got there in the end. It’s another win and it keeps the unbeaten run going, and it keeps the confidence high which is the most important thing.

“There’s a good atmosphere in the pits, and it’s always the same when you’re winning, but things are coming along nicely.”

Oxford boss Peter Schroeck said: “We fell short tonight, but Leicester are a very good team and could easily finish this season as the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership champions, and there’s no shame in losing to a strong side.

“I was tempted to use a tactical substitute, but I wanted to give all our riders their four rides tonight, in appreciation of their efforts throughout the year.

“The boys have given it their all this season, and I think their efforts in our first season back in the top league is something we can be proud of.”

OXFORD 40: Maciej Janowski 9+1, Rohan Tungate 9, Charles Wright 9, Erik Riss 5+2, Ashton Boughen 3+1, Chris Harris 3, Luke Killeen 2+2.
LEICESTER 50: Luke Becker 13, Max Fricke 12+1, Sam Masters 8+1, Richard Lawson 6+2, Ryan Douglas 6, Craig Cook 4, Sam Hagon 1.
Leicester win the aggregate point

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Photo credit: LES AUBREY