Lions v Cheetahs again as iconic club returns after 15-year absence

TEAMS’ RIVALRY CAN BE TRACED BACK TO 1949

LEICESTER will renew acquaintances with one of their oldest rivals when the Oxford Cheetahs visit the Paul Chapman and Sons Arena for a Championship fixture tomorrow.

Their association can be traced back to 1949 when both clubs were members of the old National League Division 3, but this will be the first time that an Oxford team has raced at Beaumont Park.

Lions co-promoter David Darcy said: “Speedway was last staged in Oxford 15 years ago and it has taken perseverance and diligence by a group of people to canvass for its return.

“Luckily the stadium that they raced in was still there so there was always hope that a return to their ancestral home would become a reality.

“In many respects, it is probably the story of the year for British Speedway to be able to welcome back one of the iconic clubs from the past.

“They were one of the top sides in the 80s and we look forward to racing against Oxford again after so many years.”

The Oxfordshire club is fronted by a former Lion, Jamie Courtney, and assisted by the three-time world champion Jason Crump.

The team is led by Scott Nicholls, who steered Leicester to their historic league championship title three years ago, and he is certain to receive a warm welcome from Lions fans.

Meanwhile, with the new averages published for the month of May coming into effect for this fixture, Leicester make positional changes to the side.

“Richie Worrall moves to the number one position and it is a mark of his scores in April that has elevated him into this position,” said Darcy.

“Richie has hit double figures in seven of our eight league matches and has been a tower of strength for the team.

“He has been a number one at other clubs in his career so I am confident that he will handle the pressure in the opening race against the visitors’ top rider.

“Dan Thompson will be Richie’s partner at number two and that is one of the hardest places in the team, but Stewart Dickson has confidence he will handle the additional responsibility well. “Nick Morris and Connor Mountain move along the line to three and four with Kyle Howarth at five. “So the only unchanged part of the team is in the two reserve berths and we welcome Anders Rowe back after missing the win against Redcar last Saturday through illness.”

Leicester: 1. Richie Worrall, 2. Dan Thompson, 3. Nick Morris, 4. Connor Mountain, 5. Kyle Howarth, 6. Anders Rowe and 7. Joe Thompson.

Oxford: 1. Scott Nicholls, 2. Kyle Newman, 3. Jack Thomas, 4. Cameron Heeps, 5. Troy Batchelor, 6. Dillon Ruml and 7. Josh Macdonald.