LEICESTER rounded off their Championship Shield group fixtures with an impressive 47-43 win at Sheffield.
It was a determined display from the Watling JCB Lions who showed great character to dig deep despite having already booked their place in the Semi-Finals of the competition with home success over Sheffield on Saturday.
But this was arguably even more impressive as they became the first side to beat highly fancied Sheffield on home shale this year - even without in-form racer Ryan Douglas who crashed out of Saturday’s reverse fixture.
They found themselves six-points down after three races before recovering to play their part in an ultra tight contest.
In fact a last heat decider was needed to separate the two sides and when captain Scott Nicholls joined former Tiger Josh Bates out front for a final 5-1, it ensured the Lions wrapped up three wins in as many days over a highly encouraging Easter weekend.
Skipper Nicholls said: “It’s been a great run for us as a team and long may it continue.
“We were pushed at Redcar on Friday, Sheffield took it to us on Saturday and we’ve had to battle in this one too.
“It certainly wasn’t easy and I think the track caught both sides out early on.
“It was close and we had to fight tooth and nail throughout but it was great to seal the victory against a team who are usually so strong at home.
“We were already comfortable in terms of qualifying but we’ve got this mentality of always wanting to win and everybody put the effort in to pull it off again in the end so full credit to everyone.”
Leicester get their Championship league campaign started at local rivals Birmingham on Wednesday (April 24, 7.30) before hosting Newcastle at the Paul Chapman and Sons Arena next Saturday (April 27, 7.30).
SHEFFIELD 43: Danny King 11, Drew Kemp 7+2, Kyle Howarth 7+1, Zaine Kennedy 7+1, Ty Proctor 6, Kasper Andersen 5+1, Kyle Bickley 0.
LEICESTER 47: Josh Bates 14, Scott Nicholls 11+1, Richie Worrall 9+1, Connor Mountain 8+3, Jack Thomas 3+1, Ellis Perks 2, Ryan Douglas R/R.
Northern Group Points: Sheffield 0, Leicester 3.
