LEICESTER can now confirm dates for two huge Cup-tie events over the coming weeks.
The Watling JCB Lions have drawn Berwick in the semi-finals of the Championship Shield after finishing top of their group earlier in the season.
In addition, they face a KO Cup quarter-final showdown with Eastbourne after the Eagles overcame Birmingham in their first round tie.
Lions will stage the first leg of the Shield semi-final against the Bandits at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena on Sunday June 16 (5.30pm), with the return at Shielfield Park set for Saturday June 22 (7pm).
They will come up against opponents who include former Leicester favourite Kevin Doolan, track specialist Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen and teenage sensation Leon Flint, with a Final place against Glasgow or Eastbourne the prize for progression.
Lions boss Stewart Dickson said: “Even before the draw was made I knew there was no easy route to the Final for us – it’s four top teams who all gave their all to be at this stage of the competition, and I feel we will have to perform at our best to reach a national Final.
“Let’s make no doubt about it: this tie is going to be a cracker with a place in the Final a massive incentive for both clubs.
“We have the home leg first and we will need the backing of our very loyal support to come out in force for this one - the riders respond to the noise from the terraces, trust me!
“This is why I joined Leicester, for nights like these, and we will be giving it everything we have over these two meetings to reach the Championship Shield Final.”
Dates for the KO Cup clashes with Eastbourne have also been set, with the Lions travelling to Arlington – scene of a hugely dramatic league victory last month – on Sunday June 30 (3.30pm).
The return fixture will take place at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena on Friday July 5 (7.30pm).
Fans should also note changes are likely to the Lion Cubs schedule in a bid to limit congestion of home events. The National League clash with the Isle of Wight will now NOT take place on Saturday June 15, with a new date to be agreed.
