LEICESTER go in search of a quick-fire double when they visit Somerset in the Premiership on Wednesday (7.30pm).
The Watling JCB Lions were convincing 55-35 winners over the Rebels on home shale on Monday, but expect a much tougher test when they line up at the Oaktree Arena for the return fixture.
However, one factor which could be in their favour is the very limited track time so far enjoyed by Somerset, who have yet to race a home fixture due to the awful early April weather.
And the Lions’ previous visit to the Highbridge venue last August saw them produce one of their best displays on the road in 2017 as they came away with a 42-42 draw from a meeting curtailed one race early due to rain.
Former British Champion Chris Harris takes the guest booking at No.1 to replace the injured Martin Vaculik, whilst rider-replacement continues as cover for Michael Palm Toft, who hopes to return next week from his own ankle injury.
Lions reserve Kyle Newman piled up an impressive 11 (paid 13) on Monday, and has local knowledge from a spell with the Rebels in 2012-13.
Newman said: “Monday was a good start with a nice big home win, and now we’ve got to go over to Somerset and try to repeat the performance.
“I’m sure they’ll be trying to come back stronger, so we’ll need to be firing on all cylinders there.
“When you look at our team I think it’s a team capable of winning the league, and now we’ve got to prove it.
“I said when I came here last year, I want to come and win the league, and Monday was a great way to start that.”
SOMERSET: Jason Doyle, Jake Allen, Charles Wright, Jack Holder, Richard Lawson, Jonas Jeppesen, Bradley Wilson-Dean.
LEICESTER: Chris Harris, Michael Palm Toft R/R, Danny King, Krystian Pieszczek, Hans Andersen, James Sarjeant, Kyle Newman.
