LEICESTER Lion Cubs commence their National Development League defence at home to Berwick on Easter Saturday (April 8, 7pm).
It’s the first meeting of the season at the Pidcock Motorcycles Arena, Beaumont Park, and there’s plenty of interest in seeing how the Cubs kick off their bid for back-to-back titles.
Team boss Dave Howard and promoter Stewart Dickson have retained the bulk of the 2022 side with former mascot Max James coming in at reserve, whilst fellow 15-year-old Ashton Boughen is the only completely new face.
But there will also be some familiarity with Saturday’s opponents as Connor Coles, who did a superb job as third heat-leader for the Cubs last season, has joined Berwick and will be racing for both of their teams this season.
And at reserve for the Bullets are Josh Embleton, who played his part in the Cubs’ 2019 league and Cup double when he joined in mid-season, along with Jamie Halder who has twice seen intended team places at Leicester wrecked by injury.
Howard said: “We have the youngest team in the NDL this year, and as always the club are looking to the future.
“With just the top two going directly into the play-off Final this year and with aggregate points being awarded too, it will be vital that we continue with our previous home form in the fight for a top two position.
“We face a solid-looking Bullets side including one of the stars from last season’s Lion Cubs, Connor Coles, and they have an experienced heat-leader trio.”
NDL admission prices are £14 adults, £12 concessions, £1 for children aged 6-17, whilst children aged five and under go free. Lions season ticket holders will be admitted for £5.
LEICESTER: Dan Thompson, Ashton Boughen, Max Perry, Tom Spencer, Joe Thompson, Vinnie Foord, Max James.
BERWICK: Connor Coles, Archie Freeman, Mason Watson, Danny Phillips, Greg Blair, Josh Embleton, Jamie Halder.
