The Lions are back on track!

Feb 2 2007 By Steve Johnson, Birmingham Mail

A CYCLE speedway club in danger of folding after break-ins and vandal attacks is riding into a hopeful new era - thanks to the Birmingham Mail.

The Mail highlighted how Sandwell Lions, who can trace their roots back to 1948, had seen membership dwindle because of repeated incidents at their track in Lower City Road, Tividale.

Treasurer Roger Beaman said that the clubroom had been broken into four times since the season ended in October, and morale was at an all-time low.

Now, thanks to last Saturday's exclusive story, 20 "prodigal sons" have come back to the fold to give the club a much-needed boost.

Roger said that the Lions were roaring their defiance and refusing to let the yobs beat them.

"The story in the Mail has done us a power of good and we are extremely grateful. The Mail may have saved the club from going under.

"Supporters of the club from over the years saw the article and as a result of the snowballing publicity, 20 people who were members a few years ago have come back and rejoined.

"We are delighted, and have decided that we shall definitely be running this season.

"There is a 'we will not let them win' mentality here and we are determined not to let the thieves and thugs drive us into extinction.

"This club has given too many people too much pleasure over the decades for us to go under."

Roger said the Sandwell Lions had joined the Midlands Cycle Speedway League, being revived this season after an eight-year gap.

"We have an 8ft fence around the site but what we really need is security alarms or cameras, if we could raise the money." he added.

For more details on the club call 0121 532 8614.