JOE Thompson pulled off a stunning last heat win to save the day for Leicester’s National Development League side in a thrilling 45-45 draw with Kent Royals.
Visiting duo Ryan Kinsley and Dan Gilkes looked all set for a 5-1 to hand the visitors three league points but Thompson, on a busy night racing in both meetings, swept past both riders to thrill the fans who had remained to cheer on the youngsters.
Joe notched 12+1 to top score for the Roger Webster Lion Cubs and brother Dan carded 10 to lead the scorecharts in a meeting which never saw more than two points between the sides.
Ben Trigger, now in the tougher main body of the team, worked hard with 3+2 to play his part in a solid team performance.
He said: “I thought the meeting went pretty well. I struggled with the setup tonight and struggled with the track a bit, but scored as many points as I could and tried as hard as I could.”
Kent had a strong spearhead with Ryan Kinsley scoring 14+1 and Dan Gilkes 13+1 but lost Josh Warren and Alex Spooner after falling which left them short of options late on.
LEICESTER 45: Joe Thompson 12+1, Dan Thompson 10, Mickie Simpson 8, Ryan Terry-Daley 6+1, Tom Spencer 5+2, Ben Trigger 3+2, Kai Ward 1+1.
KENT 45: Ryan Kinsley 14+1, Dan Gilkes 13+1, Jacob Clouting 7+2, Alex Spooner 6, Josh Warren 5, Vinnie Foord 0.
