POSTPONED: LEICESTER v BUXTON (NDL CHALLENGE)

*Leicester v Buxton (Ch) – Postponed due to rain

LEICESTER host Buxton in the first leg of an NDL Challenge fixture at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park today (Sunday, 3pm).

It will be the first full team meeting for the Bulls since they were reformed after an absence of nearly eight years, and they will stage the second leg in a fortnight.

Lion Cubs racer Max Perry and Buxton No.1 Alfie Bowtell are absent on long track duty, with the hosts operating rider replacement and the visitors bringing in Darry Ritchings to guest. Alex Spooner also comes in for the Bulls, who are yet to declare their full NDL line-up.

Leicester boss Jen Crossland said: “I’m very excited. It’s nice to have a new track on board, and it’s good for the lads as well to get some extra laps under their belts.

“We’ll be looking to get a win from our opening match, but we know this Buxton team will present a challenge, and it’s one for us to look forward to.”

Buxton manager Laurence Rogers said: “I’m looking forward to our first fixture as a full team, and it will give the riders chance to get some valuable track time and sort out riding partnerships.

“The Lion Cubs are a very good side and will give us a good test, and we will be able to see how we look as a team, and we look to give Leicester a good run-out and keep the score as close as possible for the return leg.”

LEICESTER: Ben Morley, Tom Spencer, Max Perry R/R, Ryan Ingram, Freddy Hodder, Eli Meadows, Seth Norman.

BUXTON: Darryl Ritchings, Arran Butcher, Alex Spooner, Jamie Etherington, Jack Smith, Luke Harris, Jack Shimelt.

SCB Referee: Mick Bates