LEICESTER host unbeaten WSRA NDL champions Edinburgh in the final meeting of the season at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park on Saturday (7pm).
The Monarchs Academy have won nine out of nine so far, and the Lion Cubs now have the last opportunity to deny them a perfect record in 2026.
Leicester themselves will be safe in runners-up position in the league table unless they suffer a defeat of 22 or more points, in which case they would be overhauled by King’s Lynn.
With Development being the name of the league and the ethos of the Lion Cubs there has still been a good deal of progression to enjoy this season.
This includes most notably, although is not restricted to, the emergence of flying rocket Ryan Ingram, still just 16, into a heat-leader at this level with an average of over eight, and an excellent debut campaign for Seth Norman (16 on Friday) who has moved into the main body of the team with an average of over five.
On Saturday, former Lions rider Dan Gilkes comes in as a guest at No.1 for broken leg victim Freddy Hodder as Gilkes himself continues his comeback from an injury-hit campaign.
Meanwhile at reserve the Lion Cubs have signed Emerson Betty in place of the injured Tom Spencer, which allows another promising 16-year-old to appear at the Hydroscand Arena in successive weeks.
Manager Jen Crossland said: “Edinburgh have been the strongest team in the NDL this season and they deserve the league title, but we would like to end their unbeaten record if we possibly can.
“However the most important thing is that the riders keep on learning and enjoying it, and they’re looking forward to racing for the last time this season.
“Emerson has shown a great attitude when he’s come in over the last couple of weeks and he’s done everything we’ve asked of him, so it’s good to be able to give him another meeting with Tom unfortunately ruled out, and these are the riders this league should be all about.”
Edinburgh have declared a full-strength one-to-seven, which does appear a little surprising given that Dayle Wood is the subject of a Speedway Star interview this week where he states he returned to Australia earlier this month.
Our racenight programme has to feature the teams declared between the two managers, so we apologise to supporters should any changes be required on the night.
Supporters are reminded of the 7pm start on Saturday, and Lions season ticket holders can gain admission for the reduced price of £7.
LEICESTER: Dan Gilkes, Max Perry R/R, Ben Morley, Seth Norman, Ryan Ingram, Emerson Betty, Eli Meadows.
EDINBURGH: Jordy Loftus, Dayle Wood, James Shanes, Ben Whalley, Vinnie Foord, Anika Loftus, Jamie Halder.
