LEICESTER boss Stewart Dickson hailed a “special night” in the history of the club after clinching the Championship title.
The Watling JCB Lions lost 50-40 at Glasgow but secured their first league win by two points on aggregate.
In fact, the scoreline flattered the home side with the visitors having stayed in control of the clash until the last three heats.
But just when Glasgow moved six-up with two races to go, Ellis Perks delivered a sensational third to first in Heat 14 to send the visiting fans wild.
Dickson said: “It was a very special night for Leicester. It’s been a long time coming but this is for the loyal fans.
“They travelled up to Glasgow tonight to give us such amazing support, I’m just glad we could deliver the title.
“I was delighted with the team performance. We kept a tight grip on the meeting up until Heat 13 really.
“Then Ellis produced that brilliant Heat 14 to get us over the line. I have to say he was outstanding all night to top score for us.
“It’s hard on Glasgow, I know how they feel tonight. We got close in 2015 here and lost the final to Edinburgh, it’s not a pleasant feeling. They’ve had a great season but I’m obviously glad we did enough.
“This is such a great result for Leicester. It was a big decision to go into the Championship last winter, but it has been justified.
“We’ve not had it all our own way. We’ve had injuries to Richie Worrall and Josh Bates and this result is for them as well.”
Captain Scott Nicholls was equally delighted, adding: “It’s a great night for us all. I think we’ve deserved this. We finished top of the league and there wasn’t much in this in the end.”
It was a thoroughly professional job by the Watling JCB Lions who never looked in danger of letting the 12-point first leg lead slip.
After Rasmus Jensen fell while leading Heat 4, the visitors went in front and it was still level after 11 races.
Glasgow then mounted a late flourish and a 5-1 in Heat 13 put them six-up.
When Sam Jensen and Kyle Bickley got in front in the next race, home fans hopes were suddenly raised.
However, the excellent Ellis Perks passed both Tigers to wrap up the title for Leicester and shatter Tigers dreams.
GLASGOW 50: Craig Cook 14+1, Claus Vissing 14+1, Kyle Bickley 9+1, Rasmus Jensen 8, Mikkel B Andersen 2+1, Sam Jensen 2, Connor Bailey 1+1
LEICESTER 40: Ellis Perks 11, Ty Proctor 7+2, Scott Nicholls 6+1, Ryan Douglas 5, Joe Lawlor 4+1, Connor Mountain 3+1
Leicester win 91-89 on aggregate
