The Roger Webster Leicester Lion Cubs roared to National League title glory in Kent on Monday night as the SGB Championship-winning club targets an historic double double on Tuesday night.
Not only did the Lion Cubs triumph 106-74 on aggregate, they won the Grand Final, second leg 47-43 at Kent Kings’ Central Park home.
Skipper Danyon Hume led the charge on 13 paid 14 points, with No.1 Ellis Perks powering to 12 paid 14 as he wrote his name in British speedway folklore by completing an astonishing trio of SGB Premiership, Championship and National League titles.
The Swindon and Leicester Lions man could yet make it a treble double as the Lion Cubs head to Belle Vue on Tuesday night with an 18-point lead for the National League Knock Out Cup Final, second leg.
Team manager David Howard may have watched his side spray the champagne at Central Park. But he insists their title triumph won’t break their focus as they bid to make it a double in Manchester – following in the footsteps of the Lions’ Championship side.
He said: “That’s a league and a cup for the Lions and hopefully a league and a cup for the Lion Cubs. A double double is the plan!
“This is fantastic, but everyone is still really focused on tomorrow. Let’s see if we can pick up that second trophy.”
Despite taking a 59-31 lead to Sittingbourne, Howard says his side had no intention of backing off the throttle.
“You never take anything for granted,” he said. “Obviously we were really hopeful after the first leg.
“This was absolutely fantastic – it was great to win on the night as well. We wanted to keep the winning run going.
Howard hailed his title-winning side. “Everyone has been fantastic throughout the season,” he said. “We have had a couple of changes – Josh (Embleton) and Ryan (Terry-Daley) came in and made the difference at reserve.
“Ellis and Danyon were superb at the front. Dan and Joe (Thompson) have just come on as the season has gone along. It’s absolutely outstanding and fantastic to take the crown.
"It has been an unbelievable season for the Lion Cubs and we are indebted to our team sponsor Roger Webster, who has backed us every step of the way throughout a year that we will never forget.
“Roger has been fully supportive and has attended every meeting home and away. His presence and encouragement to the team has been invaluable and we hope that we have done him proud."
KENT 43: Rob Ledwith 11, Drew Kemp 9+2, Dan Gilkes 9, Jordan Jenkins 7+2, Jake Mulford 4+1, Alex Spooner 3, Anders Rowe R/R.
LEICESTER 47: Danyon Hume 13+1, Ellis Perks 12+2, Joe Thompson 9+2, Ryan Terry-Daley 8+1, Dan Thompson 5, Josh Embleton 0, Luke Ruddick R/R.
Picture: RAFAL WLOSEK
