PREVIEW: BELLE VUE v LEICESTER (NDL)

BELLE Vue host the first meeting in the WSRA National Development League this season with Leicester providing the opposition (1pm).

Both sides enjoyed strong campaigns in 2023 with the Lion Cubs going all the way to the Grand Final – but this year’s NDL is decided on league results only.

Chad Wirtzfeld makes his Colts debut and Harry McGurk returns to the club, whilst Ben Trigger guests at No.1 for Sam Hagon who is on Championship BSN Series duty with Poole.

Meanwhile Arran Butcher, Luke Crang and Sonny Springer appear for the Lion Cubs for the first time, with Jody Scott guesting for the unavailable Max James who is with Edinburgh.

Colts co-boss Graham Goodwin said: “We couldn’t ask for a tougher opening fixture than the Lion Cubs. They have been arguably our toughest NDL opponents in recent years.

“It’s going to be a challenge, but at the same time it will be a very exciting afternoon of racing and we hope to see a big crowd to cheer on the lads.”

Lion Cubs manager Dave Howard said: “As well as winning home matches you’ve got to get some points away as well to look to challenge for the league.

“Everybody likes riding at Belle Vue, so we’ll be giving it all we’ve got, and let’s see what we can do!”

BELLE VUE: Ben Trigger, Chad Wirtzfeld, Matt Marson, Luke Muff, Freddy Hodder, Jack Shimelt, Harry McGurk.
LEICESTER: Joe Thompson, Vinnie Foord, Tom Spencer, Arran Butcher, Jody Scott, Luke Crang, Sonny Springer.