LEICESTER Lion Cubs kick off their WSRA National Development League title defence with a trip to Belle Vue on Good Friday (midday start).
It’s exactly the same opening as in 2024 for the Lion Cubs who enjoyed a 49-38 win at the National Speedway Stadium last Easter, which was the start of a superb nine-match winning run.
However, they are forced into several changes for the meeting in Manchester with their declared top three of Ben Trigger, Max James and Max Perry all unavailable.
Trigger is competing in the European Under-19 semi-final in Pardubice, Czech Republic, whilst James and Perry both have meetings for their Championship clubs later in the day, with Colts captain Freddy Hodder ruled out for the same reason.
It had been hoped that the early start for the meeting at Belle Vue would enable those with clashes to do both fixtures, but that has not proved possible. Leicester did enquire as to switching the date of the meeting; however, this was not accepted.
Therefore, the Lion Cubs thank Ben Morley and Darryl Ritchings for standing in as guests, whilst with rider replacement in operation for James, the captaincy passes to Sonny Springer who has enjoyed a superb start to the season with the Fox Cubs.
Belle Vue, who are led by Will Cairns, track a much-changed team from 2024 with Jack Kingston, Harry Fletcher, Billy Budd and the currently injured Mason Watson all coming into the side.
The Colts operate rider replacement for Watson whilst Sam McGurk comes in to guest for Hodder.
Lion Cubs co-boss Jen Crossland said: “It’s somewhat different to our regular line-up but we are still keen to go to Belle Vue and put on a good show, and hopefully get a good result.
“We had everyone together at Leicester last Saturday and I was so impressed with the camaraderie amongst both Development teams, which is exactly the atmosphere we want to encourage here.
“The Lion Cubs really want to defend the league title and although we have a few changes on Friday, hopefully we can make a good start.”
BELLE VUE: Will Cairns, Mason Watson r/r, Jack Kingston, Jack Shimelt, Sam McGurk, Harry Fletcher, Billy Budd.
LEICESTER: Ben Morley, Eli Meadows, Darryl Ritchings, Sonny Springer, Max James r/r, Ryan Ingram, Cooper Rushen.
