Leicester Lions v Belle Vue Aces

Report

MAX Fricke stormed to a 15-point maximum against his former club as Leicester secured their first home league win of the season with a 53-37 result against Belle Vue.

The Lions skipper reeled off five wins out of five as his side put in their most convincing performance of the season, taking 12 of the 15 heat victories.

They even came close to challenging for the aggregate point despite an 18-point defeat in Manchester last week, but Ben Cook’s Heat 14 win gave the Aces some consolation even though they then conceded a 5-1 in the last race.

Sam Masters (10+1) and Ryan Douglas (9+1) backed up Fricke’s unbeaten show for the hosts, whilst Jaimon Lidsey top-scored for the visitors with 12+1 from six rides.

Leicester manager Stewart Dickson said: “It’s been a much better week for us. We had a good, positive two points at Birmingham, and tonight again a good performance and two more points.

“Around Heat 8 or 9 we were looking at it and saying can we get the aggregate point – Belle Vue held on for that, but I think the most important thing was the overall performance.

“There are still one or two riders to go into another gear, but when your No.1 is scoring a 15-point maximum and you have 12 race winners at home, it’s a really good sign for us.”

Belle Vue reserve Connor Mountain (4+2) said: “I’d agree it was something of a mixed night for us. A few of the boys struggled but at least we didn’t come away empty handed.

“Every meeting we go into, we intend to win it but Leicester were a very tough team and we expected them to put up a challenge after the Manchester leg.

“Of course we’re disappointed to lose on the night but we can at least be pleased with the aggregate point.”

LEICESTER 53: Max Fricke 15, Sam Masters 10+1, Ryan Douglas 9+1, Richard Lawson 5, Drew Kemp 5, Joe Thompson 5, Luke Becker 4+1.
BELLE VUE 37: Jaimon Lidsey 12+1, Dan Bewley 6, Norick Blodorn 5+1, Brady Kurtz 5, Ben Cook 5, Connor Mountain 4+2, Connor Bailey 0.
Belle Vue win the aggregate point

OFFICIAL REFEREE SCORECARD
Available here

Photo credit: RICHARD BOETTCHER