LEICESTER captain Sam Masters spoke of his pride in the whole team after lifting the Premiership Knockout Cup at a packed Hydroscand Arena on Thursday.
The Australian star emulated his predecessor Max Fricke by skippering the Watling JCB Lions to Cup glory, which was confirmed with their 50-40 home win over Ipswich for a ten-point aggregate triumph.
Team-mates have also sent their best wishes to Kyle Howarth, who took the decision to step away from the sport this week but still played a significant part in the winning of the silverware.
Howarth’s scores in the pulsating early-season wins over Sheffield were vital to the Lions winning their qualification group.
Drew Kemp and Ryan Douglas both scored double figures in both legs of the Final but Thursday’s meeting was true team effort with all six riders involved in key moments along the way.
Masters said: “I’m so proud. Ipswich is always a hard to place to go, and after coming away from there with a draw things were looking good.
“But we knew it was going to be tough here, they pushed us all the way, and to win the Knockout Cup two years in a row is unreal.
“We had rider replacement for Kyle, and all the best to him. This is for him as well, he was part of this.
“We’ve got a big finish to the season to look forward to, but for now we can celebrate this one, and we’ll worry about the rest later!”
Lions return to ROWE Motor Oil Premiership action with a trip to leaders Belle Vue on Monday. New averages for August will be in effect for that meeting, which sees Kemp move back up into the main body of the side.
Howarth’s average now sees him at reserve, and the Lions are in talks with a rider with a view to coming in as his replacement. Jonas Jeppesen will guest in the No.6 position at the National Speedway Stadium.
