LEICESTER stage their first home National Development League match of the season when they host Edinburgh on Sunday (3pm).
The Lion Cubs got off to a great start with a 49-38 win at Belle Vue on Good Friday and are now looking to back that up at the Pidcock Motorcycles Arena, Beaumont Park.
But the Monarchs Academy are likely to present one of the toughest tests of Leicester’s unbeaten home record at this level which goes right back to their debut NDL season of 2019.
The visitors start with arguably the strongest heat-leader trio in the league, and in Connor Coles and Max Perry they have two very familiar faces leading the way.
Coles played a key role in the Lion Cubs’ 2022 double success, whilst Perry made huge improvement in the last two seasons with Leicester only to suffer a cruel conclusion when he was seriously hurt in the 2023 Grand Final at Oxford.
He looked set to miss out on an NDL team place this year owing to the reduced points limit, but this was slightly raised later in the winter allowing him to slot in for the Armadale club.
Those two riders are joined by the capable Sam McGurk at the top of the team, whilst their remaining members are familiar from previous Edinburgh sides, along with Mason Watson who has been recruited from Berwick.
For the Lion Cubs, there are home debuts for Arran Butcher, Luke Crang and youngster Sonny Springer, whilst Max James makes his first appearance of the season after missing the win at Belle Vue due to commitments with Edinburgh.
Lion Cubs manager Dave Howard said: “It was unfortunate that we couldn’t have a practice on the press and practice day due to the weather.
“But I’m sure Joe (Thompson) will be giving the riders some hints and tips before Sunday, and with the way everyone rode at Belle Vue we will be giving it all for our second win of the season.”
Admission for NDL matches is £14 adults, £12 concessions, £1 for under-18s and free for under-6s. Lions season ticket holders can gain admission for £6. Gates open at 1.30pm.
LEICESTER: Joe Thompson, Vinnie Foord, Tom Spencer, Arran Butcher, Max James, Luke Crang, Sonny Springer.
EDINBURGH: Connor Coles, Mason Watson, Sam McGurk, Dayle Wood, Max Perry, Mark Parker, Kyran Lyden
