Belle Vue Colts v Leicester Lion Cubs

Report

LEICESTER opened their WSRA National Development League title defence with a 48-42 win at Belle Vue – headlined by a stunning show from youngster Cooper Rushen.

The 15-year-old racked up an incredible 20 points from seven rides at reserve, clinching the away side’s victory in the penultimate race before going on to win Heat 15.

Rushen was backed up by guest Ben Morley with nine as the Lion Cubs won without three of their regular team, whilst Will Cairns (13+1) and Freddy Hodder (12+1) led the way for the Colts with the latter able to race after his fixture for Glasgow was postponed.

Leicester boss Jen Crossland said: “It’s very nice to start off with a win, and I’m proud of them all. Everyone got together and helped each other, and I can’t fault any of them.

“Cooper is going to take the headlines of course for scoring 20, and he’s just got such a level head on those young shoulders, it really is amazing.

“Special mention also to Ryan Ingram in his debut for an NDL team and he was brilliant, he really tried and his attitude towards what we had to do for the team was brilliant.”

WSRA NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
BELLE VUE 42: William Cairns 13+1, Freddy Hodder 12+1, Jack Kingston 5+2, Jack Shimelt 5+1, Billy Budd 4, Harry Fletcher 3, Mason Watson r/r
LEICESTER 48: Cooper Rushen 20, Ben Morley 9, Darryl Ritchings 7+3, Ryan Ingram 5+2, Sonny Springer 5, Eli Meadows 2+2, Max James r/r

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Photo credit: IAN CHARLES