KING’S Lynn look to bounce back from their setback of earlier this week when they head to Leicester in more ROWE Motor Oil Premiership action on Thursday (7.30pm).

The PSH Environmental Stars suffered a disappointing night on their own circuit when they lost out 49-41 to Belle Vue on Monday, dropping vital league points in the process.

But they have a quickfire chance to make amends when they visit the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park – and they have a major weapon in their armoury for this meeting.

No.1 Max Fricke joined the Stars over the winter after spending three years with Leicester, during which time he became regarded as an out-and-out track specialist and was, at times, virtually unbeatable at the East Midlands venue.

The knowledge Fricke can pass on to his team-mates ahead of and during Thursday’s meeting will clearly be vital as he goes up against many of his old colleagues.

Leicester track a familiar line-up comprising many of the riders who have been part of their success in recent years, although Dan Thompson is currently sidelined with a broken collarbone and will be covered by the rider replacement facility.

Ryan Douglas has taken over the No.1 role for the Lions whilst Sam Masters skippers the side, and in the Rising Star position Dan Gilkes is recently back from injury.

Stars skipper Chris Harris also had a spell with Leicester in 2023, whilst Cooper Rushen has plenty of recent track experience having ridden for the Lion Cubs in the National Development League last year.

And with Rising Star Jody Scott still sidelined after his crash at Northampton last week, Lynn have called upon another rider who knows every inch of the Hydroscand Arena in Joe Thompson, who had a stint with the Lions earlier this season as cover for Gilkes.

Harris has stressed the importance of an immediate response to being beaten at home on Monday, with the Stars facing another vital clash against Ipswich on their own track next week.

He said: “Leicester has been one of those tracks for me, I’ve had good ones and bad ones there in the past.

“But I think the league this year is going to be an up-and-down season. A lot of the teams are pretty well-matched really, and if we can nick an away win it’s going to be a big bonus.

“And obviously now we’ve lost at home, we could do with that away win!”

Stars supporters not making the trip to the Hydroscand Arena can stream the action via Lions TV from https://www.leicesterlionstv.com/ .

LEICESTER: Ryan Douglas, Dan Thompson R/R, Nick Morris, Kyle Howarth, Sam Masters, Drew Kemp, Dan Gilkes.
KING’S LYNN: Max Fricke, Paco Castagna, Chris Harris, Ben Cook, Jan Kvech, Cooper Rushen, Joe Thompson.