LEICESTER virtually clinched the WSRA National Development League title thanks to a late comeback and a 46-44 win at Sheffield.
It gave the Lion Cubs another three points and whilst second placed Oxford could still finish level on league points, they have an astonishing race points difference of +107 over the Chargers.
Leicester found themselves six down with ten races gone in South Yorkshire - and could only track one rider in Heat 11 with Sonny Springer not taking his place due to problems with both of his bikes.
Thankfully, captain Joe Thompson won his second race of the night to prevent the hosts from extending their lead.
The Lion Cubs then moved back within two of Sheffield when Tom Spencer picked himself up from a spill two races earlier to partner Max James for a big 5-1 in Heat 12.
Thompson then led another shared heat before Leicester moved into the lead for the first time with one race to go when James and fellow reserve Arran Butcher took full advantage of a re-run to earn a second 5-1 having been on the wrong end of a 4-2 in the initial staging.
Now, two points up, it meant a race win would be enough in the decider to seal the deal and Thompson duly delivered with a classy gate to help him take control from the off.
Team Manager Dave Howard said: “The first 11 races were a bit of a nightmare night but we were still kind of in it.
“But those last four races were a fantastic finish from the guys and they’ve put us on the verge of the title.
“Joe has been in the team since we started in 2019 and it was quite fitting he played the part he did tonight.
“Credit to Max James and Arran Butcher at reserve; Max scored paid 15 and deserved his place in Heat 15 and Arran scored ten and a bonus and it goes to show how important it can be having two strong reserves who are both on form on the same night.
“Every point counted from the guys though and it puts us in a fantastic position.”
Leicester can mathematically regain the NDL trophy when they travel to Oxford this Sunday (August 25, 3.30pm).
SHEFFIELD 44: Nathan Ablitt 13, Luke Harrison 10+2, Ace Pijper 8, Mickie Simpson 6+1, Kean Dicken 4+1, Stene Pijper 3+1, Jamie Etherington 0.
LEICESTER 46: Max James 14+1, Joe Thompson 14, Arran Butcher 10+1, Tom Spencer 5+2, Luke Crang 3+3, Sonny Springer 0, Vinnie Foord r/r.
Leicester win the aggregate point
