LEICESTER’S terrific National League youngsters have the chance to reach two Finals in one night on Saturday!
The Roger Webster Lion Cubs host Cradley and Stoke in two different competitions as part of a packed 30-heat double-header at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena, getting underway at the earlier time of 5.30pm.
Dave Howard’s side have put themselves in a strong position in both league and Cup, but it’s important that they keep their winning run going as their biggest matches approach.
First they defend a 16-point advantage against Cradley in the second leg of their National League play-off semi-final, with a Grand Final place against either Belle Vue or Kent awaiting the winners.
The prize for KO Cup success is already confirmed, with the Cubs 18 points clear of Stoke going into their semi-final second leg, and with Belle Vue having booked their place in the Final.
Opposing stars on track include Cradley’s Max Clegg, a former National League Riders’ Champion and ex-Lions rider, and his team-mate Jack Smith also scored double-figures in the first leg.
Meanwhile there will be a tinge of sadness surrounding the Stoke fixture, as barring a remarkable comeback by the Potters to reach the Final, it will be their last on-track appearance for the time being at least following the shock closure of their Loomer Road venue.
The Potters are led by another former Lion, Tom Perry, whilst current Leicester senior reserve Joe Lawlor and Connor Coles complete a strong top three.
Boss Howard said: “We can’t take anything for granted, even with 16 and 18-point leads going into the meeting, and we know what we’ve got to do.
“Really, we want to keep the winning run going. We’ve got a real winning mentality going with all of the riders. They were all pumped up on Wednesday to keep the run going, and that will be the case again on Saturday.”
Admission prices are £20 adults and £16 concessions (under-16s free) and the club stress additional medical cover will be on hand in case of incidents. Previous re-admission tickets from abandoned matches against Cradley and Stoke can be redeemed for a £3 discount.
LEICESTER: Ellis Perks, Luke Ruddick, Joe Thompson, Dan Thompson, Danyon Hume, Josh Embleton, Ryan Terry-Daley.
CRADLEY: Max Clegg, Jack Smith R/R, Tom Spencer, Luke Harris, Danny Halsey, Harry McGurk, James Chattin.
STOKE: Tom Perry, Joe Alcock, Joe Lawlor, Luke Priest, Connor Coles, Kieran Douglas, Shelby Rutherford.
