LEICESTER’S patched-up side pulled off a stunning comeback to grab a last gasp 42-42 draw in the rain at Somerset.
The Watling JCB Lions appeared in trouble at 10-points down but displayed great character to bounce back and boost their hopes of avoiding the Premiership wooden spoon.
Skipper Danny King, celebrating his 31st birthday, teamed up with star guest Scott Nicholls – in for the injured Kim Nilsson – in Heat 13 to give Jim Lynch’s men hope by pulling level at 39-39. It was a stunning performance from Nicholls to skilfully keep the home riders at bay.
And in the next former Rebels man Kyle Newman romped to victory to keep it level but with rain falling the meeting was cut short with one race to go.
Boss Jim Lynch said: “I’m obviously delighted to come away with a couple of league points and the way we were going who knows what might have happened in Heat 15?
“I’ve got to be pleased because we beat Rye House on Saturday and now we’ve drawn here –we might not be in the play-off race but we’re influencing it!”
Swedish star Nilsson has told Lions bosses he expects to be back after his arm injury for the big home meeting with Belle Vue on Saturday.
Meanwhile Pawel Przedpelski has suffered ankle damage in Poland but this is only thought to be short term.
Leicester head to King’s Lynn on Wednesday and a full preview will be issued in due course.
SOMERSET 42: Josh Grajczonek 9, Charles Wright 8+1, Lewis Kerr 8, Patrick Hougaard 7+1, Cameron Heeps 5+3, Richard Lawson 4+1, Dan Bewley 1.
LEICESTER 42: Scott Nicholls 8+2, Erik Riss 8+1, Danny King 8, Kyle Newman 7+2, Josh Bates 6, Paul Starke 5+1, Pawel Przedpelski R/R.
Abandoned after 14 heats - Rain - RESULT STANDS
Picture: COLIN BURNETT
