The 2024 Midland Development League opening fixture at Leicester saw the honours shared as the Lion Cubs drew 18 apiece with the Birmingham Buffaloes.
The Lions were forced into a late swap to a three man team using rider replacement for Ben Phillips when his machine failed the machine examination.
Cubs captain Sonny Springer suffered an engine failure in heat 1 whilst having a battle with the opposition skipper Eli Meadows then reeled off three fine wins.
15 year old Jamie Etherington , who had made his National League debut for Middlesborough in the main meeting , had a troubled meeting after getting a 5-1 with Springer in heat 2 with two falls.
Debutant rookie Harrison Rogers rode steadily with three second places to finish with 7 points.
For the Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes skipper Eli Meadows lost his maximum chances in his last ride when Sonny Springer defeated him in heat 5.
Debutant Max Broadhurst got better with every ride and secured his first race win in his final ride to finish on 6 . Another first time Will Boraston had three third places whilst Jake Breeze was beset by carburettor problems.
Leicester Lion Cubs 18 ( Sonny Springer 4r 9 ; Harrison Rogers 4r 7, Jamie Etherington 3r 2+1) Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes 18 ( Eli Meadows 3r 8; Max Broadhurst 3r 6, Will Boraston 3r 3, Jake Breeze 3r 1+1)
