LEICESTER Fox Cubs battled hard at King’s Lynn before going down to a 54-36 in their latest National Development Trophy match.
The Fox Cubs’ cause wasn’t helped by losing No.1 and skipper Will Cairns, who had scored five points from his first two rides.
Cairns was suffering with neck spasms in the pits and after treatment from the medical staff, he was ruled unfit to continue.
Without him, the Young Stars extended their advantage with 5-1s in Heats 11 and 13 as they made it four wins out of four to underline their status as title favourites.
Jody Scott, Luke Harrison and Cooper Rushen all scored maximums for the home side, whilst Cairns and Ace Pijper were race winners for the Fox Cubs.
Pijper took the flag twice, winning Heats 3 and 12, both which resulted in 4-2s for the Fox Cubs.
Elsewhere there was an excellent showing at reserve from Harry Fletcher, guesting for Caydin Martin, who picked up paid-six.
Team manager Jen Crossland said: “Under the circumstances it wasn’t a bad result, and especially with losing Will after two rides it could have been a lot worse.
“Everyone tried their hardest and I’ve got to mention Harry Fletcher, he was really good, he kept on trying and it was great to see him get some points which he really deserved.
“Will’s problem was a freaky one. His neck was really hurting in the pits, he said he couldn’t move it, and the paramedics looked at him along with Jan Graversen’s wife who is a physiotherapist.
“He was feeling sick but he still kept asking when his next heat was, he didn’t want to be withdrawn. But we couldn’t let him go out in that condition, it wouldn’t have been right at all, so we had to withdraw him, and we hope it’s nothing serious.
“Mason Watson came down in Heat 11 when his clutch cable failed, and Max Broadhurst had a crash as well and his bike took out one of their riders, so it was all a bit of a sickbay by the end.”
Leicester’s attentions at this level now turn to the business of defending the WSRA National Development League title with three matches in two days this weekend, including a home clash with Oxford on Sunday at midday.
That means Rushen and Max Perry, both of whom ride for King’s Lynn in the NDT, will don their more regular Leicester colours for those meetings.
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT TROPHY
KING’S LYNN 54: Jody Scott 15, Cooper Rushen 12, Luke Harrison 9+3, Max Perry 9, Calum Mitchell 7+1, Ashton Vale 1, Harrison Rogers 1
LEICESTER 36: Ace Pijper 11, Sonny Springer 7+1, Jordy Loftus 5+1, William Cairns 5, Mason Watson 4+1, Stene Pijper 4+1, Max Broadhurst 0
King’s Lynn win aggregate point
Photo credit: DEREK LEADER
