BOSS David Howard hailed Leicester’s battling qualities following a 48-42 defeat at the hands of Mildenhall.
The Roger Webster Lion Cubs fell to their first league defeat of the season in a hard fought battle at West Row.
Skipper Danyon Hume top scored with 14+1 for the away side who pick up a consolation league point heading into a busy spell in the National League season.
Howard said: ’’I’m pleased with the outcome, I know it’s a defeat but if you always come away with at least a league point then it keeps you on an upward curve.
“It was a brilliant fighting display from the team and we fully deserved the point.
“Danyon was brilliant for us today with heat wins at the start of the afternoon and a battling point in Heat 15 to secure us the point.”
The Roger Webster Lion Cubs took an early lead with Joe Thompson passing William O’Keefe to join twin brother Dan for a second heat maximum.
A heat five maximum for the home side levelled the scores and when Danny Ayres passed Hume in the following heat, Mildenhall took the lead for the first time in the meeting.
Another 5-1 courtesy of Ayres and Matt Marson saw Leicester fall eight points behind despite young Joe Thompson’s best efforts.
Tactical Substitute Hume then partnered Perks to a 5-1 in the following heat, reducing the hosts lead to just four points with four heats remaining.
Fen Tigers pairing Ayres and Atkins then teamed up for a 4-2 heat advantage in the battle of the meetings top four riders.
Mildenhall heat leader Charlie Brooks produce a stunning ride in the penultimate heat of the afternoon to pass both Terry-Daley and Joe Thompson to maintain the home sides six point lead with just one heat remaining.
Skipper Hume passed Jason Edwards on the final lap in a shared Heat 15 which saw the Lion Cubs salvage a consolation away league point.
Leicester are back in National League action this Tuesday where Plymouth are the visitors to the Paul Chapman and Sons Arena.
And the senior side face a crunch Championship clash with Glasgow at home next Saturday (7.30).
MILDENHALL 48: Danny Ayres 14, Jason Edwards 10+1, Charlie Brooks 8+1, Matt Marson 7+2, Henry Atkins 7, William O’Keefe (Guest) 2, Arran Butcher 0.
LEICESTER 42: Danyon Hume 14+1, Joe Thompson 11+2, Ellis Perks 9+1, Dan Thompson 4+1, Ryan Terry-Daley 3+1, Ryan MacDonald 1, Luke Ruddick R/R.
Report: JOE APPLETON
