LEICESTER reserve Josh Bates is ready to pull another big performance out of the bag when they host Rye House at Beaumont Park on Saturday (7.30).
The two-time British Under-21 Champion played a starring role in the stunning 62-28 win over last King's Lynn last weekend scoring 12, paid 16.
It was a second win in three meetings for the Watling JCB Lions - but they know they face a sterner test this weekend against play-off chasing Rye House.
The Rockets recorded one of the results of the season when they demolished Poole 60-30 away from home on Thursday.
Bates reckons it's going to require another special team effort to see off their opponents and says the Leicester fans have a key role to play.
"It hasn't been the easiest of seasons for Leicester but you could tell what such a big win meant to all the fans last week," Bates said.
"They were great in getting behind the team and we're really going to need them turning out in big numbers and cheering us on right up until the end of the season.
"Rye House have got a good, strong solid team again now and it's not going to be easy.
"We've got a few boys missing again, but we've got some good guests and I'd like to help the team to another win with another big score of my own.
"It should be a great race meeting and like I say, hopefully the fans will come and get right behind us."
Leicester will be without their No.1 Kim Nilsson as the Swede is set to make his comeback from a broken arm as track reserve in Saturday's Grand Prix in Malilla. The Lions have booked experienced campaigner Rory Schlein in his place who rode brilliantly, scoring 12+3 during his visit with Wolverhampton earlier this season.
Exciting Aussie racer Cameron Heeps and Scunthorpe man Michael Palm Toft have also been drafted in for Erik Riss and Pawel Przedpelski. Riss is on SGB Championship duty with Edinburgh while Przedpelski aggravated a leg injury attempting his comeback in Poland last weekend.
Rider replacement will also operate for Lasse Bjerre who has been advised to rest his knee following a crash last week.
Rye House include British favourites Chris Harris and Scott Nicholls, who boast ten British Individual Championships between them, as well as former World No.2 Krzysztof Kasprzak at reserve for what is set to be an entertaining night of action at Beaumont Park.
For children coming along to the fixture, a bouncy castle will again be available upon entrance to the stadium up until start time.
LEICESTER: Rory Schlein, Cameron Heeps, Lasse Bjerre R/R, Michael Palm Toft, Danny King, Josh Bates, Kyle Newman
RYE HOUSE: Chris Harris, Tomas H Jonasson, Ben Barker R/R, Stuart Robson, Scott Nicholls, Krzysztof Kasprzak, Ben Morley
