The dates have been set for Speedway’s National Development League [NDL] Knock-Out Cup Final which sees Mildenhall – proudly sponsored by Manchetts Rescue and Recovery – taking on Leicester Lion Cubs.
The two legged repeat of last year’s KOC Final starts with the DJS Fen Tigers hosting the East Midlanders at Mildenhall Stadium in West Row on Sunday 8th. October, 4pm start time.
That will be followed 6 days later by the second leg at Leicester’s Beaumont Park venue on Saturday 14th. October, 7pm start time.
Team boss Jason Gardner is relishing the challenge,
“It’s a great climax of the season for the team; and make no mistake about it, we are determined after all that’s gone before - last season and this - to lay to rest the bogey team tag that Leicester have had over us. Anything can happen in Speedway over two legs and we are keen to bring a trophy back to the club.”
Mindful that due to the long delay in getting a date for the league visit to take on the reigning NDL champions in that competition, Gardner points out,
“It's helpful we have that league match at Leicester just a fortnight before the Cup Final second leg at Beaumont Park – it’ll help our lads know the best set ups to use and how to tackle the track. Alfie Bowtell [the DJS Fen Tigers’ number one] scored really well there on Saturday night and he will be helping his team mates with all he learnt from that recent, invaluable experience. The Lion Cubs are strong of course but we will be doing all we can to put one over on them and bring the Cup back to West Row.”
Gardner emphasised also the vital importance that will be played in the first leg by Mildenhall’s traditional ‘eighth man’, the West Row home support.
“We are really hoping for a big crowd on 8th. October. It’s the fans’ last fix of racing at Mildenhall for the 2023 season and to be there cheering on the Fen Tigers can make all the difference in getting us off to a winning start in this two-legged final tie – the riders really appreciate the fantastic support they get at West Row and there’s not been a more important time to pack the place to the rafters”.
KNOCK-OUT CUP FINAL DETAILS:
SUNDAY 8TH. OCTOBER: MILDENHALL DJS FEN TIGERS vs. LEICESTER LION CUBS [FIRST LEG] 4PM START TIME
SATURDAY 14TH. OCTOBER: LEICESTER LION CUBS vs. MILDENHALL DJS FEN TIGERS [SECOND LEG] 7PM START TIME