LEICESTER boss Stewart Dickson paid tribute to talented teenagers Dan and Joe Thompson after watching their British Final debut on Monday.
In a meeting won by former Coventry man Rory Schlein, the youngsters found life tough at Belle Vue but were on the pace on occasions.
And Dickson said: “The boys did themselves and Leicester proud tonight.
“It’s invaluable experience and I’m sure this will be the first of many British finals for them.”
Joe made a tidy start in his opening ride but was up against triple World Champion Jason Crump and understandably tailed off.
Dan was left trailing and suffered bike problems causing him to pull up in his first outing.
Dan made a fine start in Heat 6 when the twins met but Drew Kemp was able to come around the outside to secure the win with Joe in third after Josh Auty retired.
And Dan got close to the legend Crump in Heat 11 before dropping back to third place – but he beat 2016 champion King which was a notable scalp.
Joe struggled in Heat 12 behind the vastly experienced Richie Worrall, Chris Harris and Ben Barker.
Dan was left trailing again in his fourth race behind King’s Lynn skipper Lewis Kerr but he rode a nice line to add to his experience.
The experience continued for Joe in Heat 15 but despite a promising start his vastly experienced opponents pulled clear with a fine battle between Danny King, Rory Schlein and winner Steve Worrall.
Both riders trailed in at the back in their final rides but had clearly enjoyed the experience.
QUALIFYING SCORES: Rory Schlein 12, Richard Lawson 11, Richie Worrall 11, Jason Crump 11, Chris Harris 10, Steve Worrall 10, Drew Kemp 8, Danny King 8, Ben Barker 8, Lewis Kerr 7, Paul Starke 7, Josh Auty 5, Tom Brennan 5, Dan Thompson 3, Josh Bates 2, Joe Thompson 2, Ben Woodhull (res) 0.
SEMI-FINAL: Crump, S.Worrall, Harris, R.Worrall (fell).
FINAL: Schlein, Lawson, Crump, S.Worrall.
