LEICESTER No.1 Ryan Douglas has scooped a double Rider of the Year award.
Douglas, who raised his Premiership average above the nine-point mark in a hugely successful season, took accolades from both the management and Supporters’ Club in Saturday’s end-of-season party.
He was the choice of Watling JCB Lions manager Stewart Dickson as Rider of the Year, and this decision was matched by LSSC in their own award, whilst skipper Sam Masters picked up the award for most bonus points.
LSSC also recognised the impressive campaign from Rising Star Joe Thompson whose best season in the sport saw him take the Most Improved Rider award having established a Premiership average of just over five as he moves out of the RS berth.
It was another excellent campaign overall for the Lions, who retained the Premiership KO Cup and reached the league play-offs for the third successive season, just missing out on another Grand Final appearance when they were edged out by Sheffield in a Super Heat.
There was also agreement between Lion Cubs manager Jen Crossland and LSSC regarding the end of season awards for the club’s NDL team.
Ryan Ingram was the choice of both parties as Rider of the Year, as the 16-year-old pushed his average close to the eight-point mark in only his second season in the sport.
Most Improved Rider was Seth Norman, who started his debut campaign at just 15 years of age but achieved a highly creditable 5.12 average despite spending a month off the bike due to injury in mid-season.
The Lion Cubs had looked like possible NDL champions in the first half of the season but after a spate of postponements they were forced to race their closing fixtures with several injury and availability issues, and they finished runners-up to Edinburgh.
Earlier this season the club was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of supporter Anne Tasker, and a Memorial Award in her name was presented by husband Neil to Joe Thompson, Dan Thompson and Ryan Ingram.
