MATCH REPORT: Lions continue good run of form

Hellingly Lions were on the road again yesterday, travelling the near 120 miles to Suffolk, to face the Kesgrave Panthers.

With the Lions registering heat victories in all of the 16 heats courtesy of Jesse Moore (6), Martyn Hollebon (5), Neil Hollebon (4) and Jim Cox, the visitors powered their way to a 12 point victory by 86-74.

The scoreline was kept as close as it was by the determined team riding of the Panthers, who filled second and third in 11 heats.

Neil Hollebon and Jim Cox were the pair in early form, securing a 6-4 advantage in heat 1, followed by a 7-3 in heat 4, with a pair of shared heats in between, Hellingly were 6 points up (23-17).

Steven Archer battled to pass Kesgrave reserve Charlie Long in heat 5, the 6-4 heat score gave the Lions the lead by 8.

Heats 6 through to 12 were shared 5-5s, with 4 heats to go the visitors still led by 8. Neil Hollebon and Steven Archer produced an advantage in heat 13, and at 10 points up, the away side all but had the two league points in the bag.

A shared heat 14, followed by a 6-4 advantage in heat 15 courtesy of Martyn Hollebon and Jim Cox, secured the points for the jubilant Lions.

Club Captain, Jesse Moore, who won the nominated heat 16 said afterwards: “On a scorching hot day, a win by 12 is a great result for the club and hopefully we can keep up these good results throughout the rest of the season.

“We should all be proud of how we rode today”

KESGRAVE 74
Ray Pyke 14+2, Gary Brown 13+2, Lewis Brinkhoff 12+1, James Johnson 10+1, Tyler Brinkhoff 9+1, Keanu Bowers 8+1, Jay Berry 5+2, Charlie Long 3+1.

HELLINGLY 86
Jesse Moore 24, Martyn Hollebon 20, Neil Hollebon 19+1, Jim Cox 10, Steven Archer 7, Etienne Patel 3, Tristan Bassett 2, Jamie Morley 1