LEICESTER’S final team action of 2021 is a National Development League clash with Belle Vue at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena on Saturday (7pm).
The Roger Webster Lion Cubs are still protecting an unbeaten home record since they entered the NDL two years ago, although this season’s matches have invariably proved to be close encounters.
Remarkably the Cubs’ last three outings on their own track have all ended in 45-45 draws, with the visit of Kent last month throwing up an epic Heat 15 when skipper Joe Thompson brilliantly came through from the back to salvage a share of the spoils.
Thompson and brother Dan once again lead the Cubs, whose riders have shown plenty of progression during what has been a somewhat stop-start NDL campaign not helped by the withdrawal of two clubs during the season.
Belle Vue are a side built with a very similar ethos to the Cubs, with the McGurk brothers Harry and Sam both having enjoyed excellent seasons after previously racing against the Thompsons at Youth level.
The Colts also have one of the league’s top riders in Jack Smith, who along with Jack Parkinson-Blackburn and Connor Coles also has experience at Championship level.
When the sides met in Manchester in late July the Cubs battled their way to a league point with the Colts winning an entertaining encounter 47-42.
Joe Thompson said: “It’s been a good team to ride with, I think all the lads have learned a lot and being captain for these last few meetings has been great.
“I can’t thank the fans enough for their support, it’s been great having them behind us all year, and hopefully we can finish off with a win against Belle Vue.”
Supporters arriving early also have the chance for Meet & Greet with the Cubs team, which will take place between 5.30pm-6pm. The riders will be happy to sign autographs and pose for selfies.
And tickets for the club’s end-of-season presentation night, which takes place at Leicestershire CCC’s Uptonsteel County Ground on October 30, will be available at the LSSC stall.
Anyone unable to book on Saturday should contact sally@afs1993.co.uk .
LEICESTER: Dan Thompson, Ben Trigger, Tom Spencer, Joe Lawlor R/R, Joe Thompson, Kai Ward, Mickie Simpson.
BELLE VUE: Harry McGurk, Connor Coles, Jack Parkinson-Blackburn, Sam McGurk, Jack Smith, Sam Woolley, Paul Bowen.
