LIONS CUP KINGS AGAIN

LEICESTER have retained the Premiership KO Cup with a ten-point aggregate win over Ipswich to secure the first item of top-flight silverware this season.

The Lions, who had defeated King’s Lynn in last year’s Final, went back-to-back in the competition with a 50-40 win in the second leg against the Ipswich having drawn 45-45 in the opener at Foxhall.

They led throughout the return fixture at the Hydroscand Arena, opening their lead to 14 points after Heat 11, but a spirited Witches fightback ensured the home side were made to wait until Heat 14 before clinching the trophy.

The decisive moment came with a 4-2 in that race from Nick Morris and Drew Kemp, who again played a pivotal role at reserve.

Ryan Douglas top-scored for the Lions with 12+1 and all six of their riders were paid for at least seven points, whilst Tobiasz Musielak produced a strong showing for the visitors with 13 from five rides.

Leicester manager Stewart Dickson said: “It was a good team performance. Everyone contributed, which was good, and we covered for Kyle (Howarth) admirably with the rider replacement.

“I knew Ipswich were going to make us work for it, and we had to wait a bit later before we won it, but the most important thing is we did do so, and we managed to retain the trophy.

“The atmosphere in the stadium was tremendous, and it’s nights like this that are the reason why I’m here.

“Our trophy return is something I promised the Leicester fans when I first came here in 2019, and maybe it was a bit bold to say I would bring trophies to his club, but we have continued to do so.”

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Photo credit: STEVE DIXON