The Elliott sponsored Lions made an encouraging start to the new season, losing by a slender two point margin at Scunthorpe last night in the Kenny Smith Memorial meeting.
Just when the match was building up to a thrilling finish came a sickening crash in heat 11 involving the Scorpions new reserve rider Tom Armstrong. The young Australian’s chain snapped just metres from the finishing line, and the resulting fall has left him nursing multiple injuries.
Earlier, there was little to choose between the two sides with seven of the first ten races ending in a share of the points. Lasse Bjerre made the perfect start to his career with Leicester by winning the opening race after a duel with fellow countryman Thomas Jorgensen.
Simon Lambert opened his account with a courageous overtake in heat 5 which earned him a satisfying three points for his efforts ahead of Josh Auty and Michael Palm Toft. There were moments too for Jari Mäkinen and Simon Nielsen who also posted points on the board for their new club and the latter was rather unfortunate to find himself excluded in heat 14 after what looked like he was nudged off course on the second bend which ended with the Dane in a heap against the air fence.
Magnus Karlsson kicked-off the start of his testimonial season with a solid six points and Kauko Nieminen, who after an uncharacteristic last place in his first race, reeled off three wins and a second. The night though belonged to Jan Graversen who is determined to work his way out of the reserve berth this season and signalled his intentions with an impressive performance which earned him an appearance in the nominated heat 15 alongside his captain. David Howe was first past the chequered flag and in doing so was awarded the Kenny Smith Memorial Trophy.
There was a large turn-out of Lions fans at Scunthorpe to cheer on the team and whilst everyone’s thoughts were with the well-being of Tom Armstrong, they left with the satisfaction that on this showing there is more to come from Leicester.
Scunthorpe 46: David Howe 11 points plus 2 bonus, Thomas Jorgensen 5, Josh Auty 8, Michael Palm Toft 5+3, Tero Aarnio 10, Tom Armstrong 2+1 and Ashley Birks 5+1
Leicester 44: Lasse Bjerre 6 points, Simon Lambert 6+1, Kauko Nieminen 11, Jari Mäkinen 3, Magnus Karlsson 6+1, Jan Graversen 9+3 and Simon Nielsen 3+2
