PREVIEW: BELLE VUE v LEICESTER (WSRA NDL)

LEICESTER kick off the defence of their WSRA National Development League title when they travel to Belle Vue today (Good Friday, midday).

The Lion Cubs started their 2024 campaign with a win in Manchester at the start of Easter weekend, but both teams show several changes from that encounter.

The Colts hand debuts to Jack Kingston, Harry Fletcher and Billy Budd, whilst rider replacement is in operation for Mason Watson who has a wrist injury.

Meanwhile Ben Morley comes in at No.1 for the Lion Cubs as Ben Trigger is away on European U19 duty in the Czech Republic, and Darryl Ritchings also stands in.

Leicester co-boss Jen Crossland said: “It’s somewhat different to our regular line-up but we are still keen to go to Belle Vue and put on a good show, and hopefully get a good result.

“We had everyone together at Leicester last Saturday and I was so impressed with the camaraderie amongst both Development teams, which is exactly the atmosphere we want to encourage here.

“The Lion Cubs really want to defend the league title and although we have a few changes on Friday, hopefully we can make a good start.”

BELLE VUE: Will Cairns, Mason Watson r/r, Jack Kingston, Jack Shimelt, Sam McGurk, Harry Fletcher, Billy Budd.

LEICESTER: Ben Morley, Eli Meadows, Darryl Ritchings, Sonny Springer, Max James r/r, Ryan Ingram, Cooper Rushen.

SCB Referee: Phil Griffin