FOX CUBS SNATCH SECOND

LEICESTER Fox Cubs stormed from fifth to second in the final National Development Trophy table with a 50-34 win over Kent in the final action of the 2025 season.

The Eagles needed to take the aggregate point at the Hydroscand Arena in order to secure runners-up spot, and they led by six points going into the meeting, but it was the home side who took the honours.

The Fox Cubs had started the match bottom of the standings but their victory relegated Birmingham Bulls to the basement.

Reserves Harry Fletcher (10+1) and Seth Norman (9+2) starred for the Fox Cubs, whilst Connor Coles scored a 12-point maximum for the Eagles who suffered mechanical trouble elsewhere.

The match was curtailed one race short due to the 10.30pm curfew but all issues had been decided by that stage.

Leicester boss Jen Crossland said: “It was a great win for the Fox Cubs against an opposing side with a very strong top three, and for them to finish second in the league is incredible considering  how late they were entered into the competition.

“The big thing though is seeing the development of riders like Ryan Ingram, Seth Norman and Harry Fletcher, and this is exactly why the NDL is so important to us as a club.”

Eagles manager David Graveling said: “You have to play the cards that you are dealt and tonight, for a variety of reasons, they didn’t fall too kindly for us.

“Congratulations to Leicester, who had difficulties of their own, for grabbing the runners up spot, however.”

OFFICIAL REFEREE SCORECARD
Available here

Photo credit: STEVE DIXON