Leicester Lion Cubs v Belle Vue Colts

Report

LEICESTER moved four points clear at the top of the WSRA National Development League with a convincing 53-37 win over Belle Vue on Sunday afternoon.

The Lion Cubs made it four wins out of four in 2024, taking match and aggregate points following their victory at the National Speedway Stadium back on Good Friday.

Joe Thompson top scored with 13 points and Tom Spencer added 10, whilst Sam Hagon impressed with 14 for the Colts, reeling off four wins after being beaten by Thompson in Heat 1.

But the visitors were heavily hit by injuries with both Matt Marson (facial) and Luke Muff (wrist) crashing out, whilst Jack Shimelt was withdrawn with a knee problem.

Leicester boss Dave Howard said: “It was a very eventful meeting, but that’s four matches now and four wins, and it was a great performance by all the guys.

“We also have the extra point as well from beating Belle Vue home and away, and these will be very important as the season goes on.

“Belle Vue did pull it back a bit, but we pulled away again and all in all it’s a great start to the season for us.”

Colts co-boss Steve Williams said: “It was one of those meetings where anything that could go wrong did go wrong for us, and not on a small scale especially in terms of injuries.

“We were essentially down to just four riders by the end, but on a positive note they put in such a brilliant battle and they didn’t back down even for a second despite the challenge they faced.”

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
LEICESTER 53: Joe Thompson 13, Tom Spencer 10, Vinnie Foord 8+2, Luke Crang 7+2, Sonny Springer 6+2, Arran Butcher 5+2, Max James 4.
BELLE VUE 37: Sam Hagon 14, Harry McGurk 9, Freddy Hodder 8, Matt Marson 3, Chad Wirtzfeld 2+1, Luke Muff 1, Jack Shimelt 0.
Leicester win the aggregate point.

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Photo credit: STEVE DIXON