LEICESTER have been confirmed as Championship leaders going into the play-offs.
The Watling JCB Lions’ 50-point total now cannot be caught, and it means they will receive choice of semi-final opponents as they battle for the league title.
Glasgow were the only team who could have overhauled them, but the Tigers fell just short of collecting a league point when they were beaten 48-41 at Berwick on Saturday.
And that means even if they win their remaining four matches with maximum points, they can only finish on 49.
Lions can take their time to assess the play-off position before deciding on their opponents, with the choice at this stage looking likely to be between Glasgow, Somerset and Redcar.
However, Berwick’s recent home form has seen them charge up into fifth place with two matches remaining, and Sheffield are also not mathematically out of contention either.
The Lions’ immediate priority is the Championship Shield Final against Eastbourne, with the first leg at Arlington next Saturday and the return at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena on Sunday (September 15, 5pm).
