LEICESTER Lion Cubs raced to an emphatic 56-34 win at Middlesbrough on Saturday with 15-year-old Cooper Rushen continuing his incredible start to league racing.
Rushen scored a sensational 17+1 paid maximum in a dominant victory for the Lion Cubs who now have two away wins out of two in the WSRA National Development League.
But they do also have issues to contend with ahead of a big double header against Oxford Chargers on Sunday, starting at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park at midday.
No.1 Ben Trigger won three races out of three against his former club but was unable to take his final ride after aggravating a previous shoulder injury, and he will miss Sunday’s fixtures along with Eli Meadows.
Leicester have moved quickly to book Ben Morley to guest for Trigger in both matches against the Chargers, with Harry Fletcher continuing as Meadows’ replacement.
In addition, the club received the sad news on Friday that 16-year-old Sonny Springer, who has shown up as a true bright talent and made excellent progress over the last year, has elected to walk away from speedway.
Springer will make his final appearances on Sunday, and the club respects his decision and wish him all the best for the future.
The Lion Cubs were excellent at the ECCO Arena with Rushen unbeaten from six rides and Max Perry was also in double figures with skipper Max James picking up paid-10.
Ryan Ingram partnered Rushen to a 5-1 in Heat 2 to put the visitors ahead, and they doubled their advantage two races later when Rushen and James combined over Danny Phillips.
Perry’s victory in Heat 7 with Springer adding third place put the lead up to ten, although there was a mini fightback from the Tigers in Heat 9 with a 5-1 from former Lion Cubs Tom Spencer and Kai Ward.
However, Trigger went through the pain barrier to rebuild the advantage with Rushen in Heat 11, and Perry took control of the next with Ingram holding a crucial third place over Ben Rathbone.
Rushen replaced Trigger in Heat 13 and was promptly involved in another 5-1, this time with James, before Springer took an excellent win in Heat 14 with Ingram getting the better of Spencer.
Then Rushen completed another memorable performance as he and Perry quickly moved ahead of Spencer in Heat 15 as the Lion Cubs enjoyed a great day.
Manager Jen Crossland said: “It was a superb team performance. Everyone rode well, obviously Cooper with his paid maximum was brilliant but I was really pleased with the whole team.
“Ben has been struggling with his shoulder, he’s had it strapped up and it was best for him not to risk it any further in Heat 13, but he did ride really well and was unbeaten.
“Thanks to Ben Morley for agreeing to guest on Sunday, which is going to be two important matches for us because Oxford are a strong side and they have Darryl Ritchings at reserve.
“It will be great to get the Lion Cubs on track at home for the first time this season, and to be going into it with two wins.”
Supporters are reminded that it is a MIDDAY start at the Hydroscand Arena on Sunday, with the return at Oxford at 6.30pm.
MIDDLESBROUGH 34: Tom Spencer 9, Ace Pijper 7, Kai Ward 5+2, Stene Pijper 4, Jamie Halder 3+3, Danny Phillips 3, Ben Rathbone 3.
LEICESTER 56: Cooper Rushen 17+1, Max Perry 11+2, Ben Trigger 9, Max James 8+2, Sonny Springer 7+1, Ryan Ingram 4+1, Harry Fletcher 0.
LEICESTER: Ben Morley, Harry Fletcher, Max Perry, Sonny Springer, Max James, Ryan Ingram, Cooper Rushen.
OXFORD: Jody Scott, Senna Summers, Arran Butcher, Ashton Vale, Jacob Clouting, Max Broadhurst, Darryl Ritchings.
