Lions end their 43-year wait for league title

HEROICS BY ELLIS PERKS PUT PAID TO GLASGOW’S COMEBACK

THE 43-year wait for a league title is over for Leicester Speedway.

The Lions were crowned champions on Tuesday after a 91-89 aggregate victory over Glasgow Tigers following the second leg of the grand final.

Leicester began the match 12 points in front, having won the first leg at home 51-39 on Saturday and they repeatedly thwarted Glasgow’s efforts to get back on level terms.

After 11 heats, the teams were locked together at 33-33, only for the Lions to lose points in the next two races which cut their lead down to six points.

The match was now beginning to turn in Glasgow’s favour and with enough points still available to overhaul Leicester’s lead, it all came down to the penultimate heat.

When the home pairing of Sam Jensen and Kyle Bickley sped to the front, it raised Glasgow’s hopes of achieving a remarkable comeback, only for Ellis Perks to see off their challenge by making up ground and passing both of his opponents to cross the finish line in front.

It was a superhuman effort by the Lions number four and the three points gained were enough to give Leicester the title with one race remaining – to the elation of his team-mates and travelling support.

Watling JCB Lions team manager Stewart Dickson said: “We came here knowing exactly what we had to do and knew Glasgow would be planning to wipe out our 12-point lead as quickly as possible.

“But we nullified their expected threat time after time by managing to draw eight of the first 11 races. A couple of reverses in heats 12 and 13 gave Glasgow momentum and they must have fancied their chances of winning the league title, only for Ellis Perks to dash their dreams.

“Ellis has won a lot of important races for us this season and that one tops the lot.

“It has been an amazing journey from beginning to end. To win two major team titles in one season is beyond belief. Champions of the league and winners of the Shield final last month is a good feeling and all credit to the team who have made it possible.

“I am so pleased for our fans, the owners of the club and our business partners. Our awards evening on Saturday is going to take on an all new meaning now.”

Craig Cook 14+1 points, Mikkel B Andersen 2+1, Claus Vissing 14+1, Sam Jensen 2, Rasmus Jensen 8, Connor Bailey 1+1, Kyle Bickley 9+1

Scott Nicholls 6+1 points, Ty Proctor 7+2, Steven Worrall 4+2, Ellis Perks 11, Ryan Douglas 5, Connor Mountain 3+1 ,Joe Lawlor 4+1

Glasgow 50: Leicester 40: