LION CUBS UNPLUG CHARGERS

LEICESTER have qualified for the National Development League Grand Final with a 12-point aggregate win over Oxford.

The Lion Cubs defeated the Chargers 52-38 at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena with Dan Thompson scoring a 14+1 paid maximum to complete an unbeaten performance across both legs of the tie.

Twin brother Joe added 13+1 whilst Henry Atkins scored 11+1 for the visitors and youngster Ashton Boughen impressed again with nine.

Cubs boss Dave Howard said: “I’m so proud of the whole team, the way they rode at Oxford on Wednesday was unbelievable to keep them within two points, and that really set us up for tonight.

“We spoke before the start about avoiding last places and that would do the business, and they fought for every single point.

“On paper Oxford were probably the strongest team in the play-offs, with their strengthening up, so I’m really proud and now let’s see if we can finish the job!”

Oxford manager Peter Schroeck said: “Congratulations to Leicester on reaching the Final. It wasn’t our day, although I’m proud of the effort put in the boys who got stuck in and did everything they could.

“Disappointed is not the right word, because I’m not. One team always has to lose out and today that was us. But we’ve reached the play-offs, which makes us one of the top four teams in the country, which is a superb effort for our first year and there’s so much to be happy about with Chargers.”

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Photo credit: STEVE DIXON