LEICESTER Lion Cubs are off to a winning start in the WSRA National Development League after defeating Middlesbrough 53-37 in their home opener on Sunday.
The Lion Cubs gave an excellent all-round display with a number of highlights including a spectacular showing from Freddy Hodder, and impressive performances from youngsters Ryan Ingram and Seth Norman.
The home side gradually extended their lead after taking the advantage with 5-1s in Heats 4 and 6, with the visitors’ chief scoring coming from Ace Pijper, Nathan Ablitt and lively reserve Charlie Southwick.
Norman was involved in the first 5-1 when he teamed up with Hodder in Heat 4, and the 15-year-old could be delighted with a score of paid seven on his official NDL debut.
The Tigers, who went into the meeting without heat leader Ben Trigger for personal reasons, suffered a blow prior to Heat 7 when Ablitt hit mechanical trouble just before the start and was timed out, with Hodder and Eli Meadows collecting a 4-2 to back up a 5-1 from Ben Morley and Tom Spencer in the previous race.
Ingram and Max Perry added another 5-1 in Heat 9 whilst Hodder produced the ride of the day in Heat 11 to make it around Pijper at the end of the second lap.
Hodder and Morley showed perfect team riding in the early stages of Heat 13 to squeeze Pijper out of contention as the Leicester lead went up to 18 points.
Ingram and Meadows recorded a 4-2, split by Southwick, in Heat 14, but there was a consolation 5-1 to the Tigers in a dramatic final race.
Hodder was chasing Pijper in a bid to secure a maximum but he got out of shape on the last lap and did well to maintain control of the bike, meaning Ablitt – who had just forced his way inside Morley for third place - was able to inherit a paid win as Hodder recovered on turn two.
Manager Jen Crossland said: “It was an absolutely great team performance, and I loved the atmosphere in the pits as well.
“There are such a good bunch so I’m chuffed for them with the result, but I did say they were good!
“I’m gutted for Freddy not getting his maximum, but he did insist on gate four, that’s all I’m going to say!
“I said it last season and I’ll say it again now, this level is the foundation of British Speedway. We need more young lads coming through to get into the Championship, Premiership and international racing, and it’s all there for them now.”
WSRA NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
LEICESTER 53: Freddy Hodder 13, Ben Morley 10+1, Ryan Ingram 9+1, Tom Spencer 7+2, Max Perry 6+3, Seth Norman 6+1, Eli Meadows 2.
MIDDLESBROUGH 37: Nathan Ablitt 11+1, Ace Pijper 11, Charlie Southwick 10, Harry Sadler 3, Kai Ward 2+2, Stene Pijper 0, Harry Fletcher 0.
