LEICESTER’s National Development League team go into action for the first time in 2022 when they visit Belle Vue on Friday (7.30pm).
The Lion Cubs are making a later start to the campaign than many of their rivals, with youngster Max Perry turning 15 last week meaning they can track a full side from the beginning of their fixture programme.
They staged a full team practice at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena last Sunday and now head to Manchester looking for league points in their first outing.
Perry is one of three debutants for the Lion Cubs as he is joined at reserve by Vinnie Foord, whilst the third newcomer Connor Coles lines up at No.3 and races against the team he represented last season.
Thompson twins Dan and Joe are back for a third season with the Cubs, in addition to their Championship commitments, whilst Tom Spencer and Mickie Simpson return for a second year in Leicester colours.
The Colts are another of the fancied sides for 2022, led by the experienced Jack Smith, and track some strong talents of their own including the McGurk brothers and Nathan Ablitt, who won the league title last season with Mildenhall.
Lion Cubs boss Dave Howard said: “On paper it’s a really even league this year. Some teams are a bit stronger at the top end and others are more balanced all the way through, but I think overall it’s very even.
“Teams are going to be strong at home, and it’s what you can get on those away tracks and trying to pick up at least a point every time you go to places.
“We’re the last team to start, but it’s a really exciting year ahead, because there’s potential growth in basically everybody in the team.”
The Lion Cubs’ first home fixture is the return against Belle Vue at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena next Saturday (May 14).
BELLE VUE: Jack Smith, Sam McGurk, Nathan Ablitt, Jack Parkinson-Blackburn, Harry McGurk, Archie Freeman, Freddy Hodder.
LEICESTER: Dan Thompson, Mickie Simpson, Connor Coles, Tom Spencer, Joe Thompson, Vinnie Foord, Max Perry.
