CUBS UP TO THIRD

LEICESTER No.1 Dan Thompson scored a paid maximum in a 53-37 win over Edinburgh as the Lion Cubs completed the double and took the aggregate point.

The hosts were without three of their regular riders due to injury, but Thompson scored 14+1 from five rides whilst his race partner Ashton Boughen racked up 13+2 from six, including combining with Thompson for three 5-1s.

Jacob Hook top-scored for the Monarchs Academy with 12+1, but the Cubs moved up to third place in the league table to leave the visitors down in seventh.

Leicester boss Dave Howard said: “The first few heats were really close and there was some brilliant racing all night, but everybody put everything in and we pulled away and it was a great performance.

“Ashton’s starting can be incredible sometimes, but also he’s coming from the back now and he’s coming on so much. He’s learning through the season and improving, improving and improving!

“The three 5-1s from paid maximum man Dan and Ashton riding together gave us such a boost towards the win.”

Edinburgh manager Scott Wilson said: “’I can’t fault the effort of the guys tonight, they gave me everything, but we have to stop shooting ourselves in the foot. We threw away points on at least four occasions which would have made the scoreline look much more favourable.

“I must give a special mention to Ashton Boughen – what a talent he is! A No.2 going unbeaten in his four programmed rides is a matchwinner for any side in any league. Jacob did well to lower his colours twice at the end.”

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Photo credit: RICHARD BOETTCHER