LEICESTER Lion Cubs look to end a frustrating week on a high when they host WSRA NDL title rivals Oxford Chargers at the Hydroscand Arena on Sunday (3pm).
The Lion Cubs, who have won both of their league matches so far, will move above the Chargers and into second place in the table if they can add another home victory.
It should have been their busiest period of the season but Wednesday’s scheduled trip to King’s Lynn was called off due to “staff illness” and the match planned for Middlesbrough on Saturday was postponed to avoid a clash with England’s football World Cup quarter-final.
However, clashes between the Lion Cubs and the Chargers are always amongst the best of the season with the two clubs sharing a common ethos as they look to progress youth through their ranks.
Last season’s meeting at Beaumont Park was hugely dramatic and arguably title-deciding as the Chargers salvaged a draw (followed by a Super Heat victory) after Lion Cubs duo Sonny Springer and Max Perry had crashed out when on a 5-1 in Heat 9.
The home side have declared their full one-to-seven with no changes to their riding order, but the Chargers have a couple of issues to contend with.
Senna Summers is currently on the injury list and will be covered a by a guest or rider replacement, whilst the retired Mason Watson has now dropped to reserve and is replaced by the unattached Lee Harrison.
Going in the other direction is impressive teenager Harry Fletcher who is now in the Oxford top five after a terrific run of scoring, whilst the Chargers are led by the NDL’s top rider Jody Scott and the experienced Darryl Ritchings.
Leicester manager Jen Crossland said:“ Our matches against Oxford are always hard-fought, and I see no reason why that shouldn’t be the same again.
“We need to be on our game again. I’m confident that if we keep working together as we have been doing, we can collect another two points.”
Gates open at the Hydroscand Arena at 1.30pm on Sunday, with a reminder that Lions season ticket holders can gain admission for just £7.
LEICESTER : Ben Morley, Tom Spencer, Max Perry, Ryan Ingram, Freddy Hodder, Eli Meadows, Seth Norman.
OXFORD: Jody Scott, Senna Summers (Guest or R/R), Harry Fletcher, Ashton Vale, Darryl Ritchings, Lee Harrison, Max Broadhurst.
