LEICESTER’S Joe Thompson was the club’s highest finisher in the British Under-19 Final – but missed out on a place on the rostrum.
Thompson scored eight points from his first three rides, leaving him well placed at that stage, but a third place in Heat 16 behind Nathan Ablitt and Ace Pijper proved costly.
He had to face unbeaten duo Leon Flint and Jake Mulford in Heat 19 and finished third in that race too as Flint claimed the title with Mulford second, whilst Harry McGurk claimed third in a three-man run-off against Sam Hagon and Ablitt.
All three had finished on 11 points with Thompson frustratingly one point adrift on 10.
Elsewhere, there was a highly creditable display from Lion Cubs youngster Max Perry, who rode solidly all night for seven points – including a race win in Heat 15 over fellow top talents Luke Harrison, Freddy Hodder and Leicester mascot Max James.
Perry had got the better of Belle Vue Colts racer Sam McGurk for second place in Heat 3, and overtook Archie Freeman for third place in Heat 12.
Ironically his second ride featured a clash with Lion Cubs team-mate Mickie Simpson, who fell going into bend three and was disqualified.
Simpson, a late call-up for the event, scored three points, whilst James – the youngest rider in the field – can also be content with four points.
All of the Leicester riders, including Dan Thompson who was ruled out due to concussion, will be eligible for the event again next year.
