The Mildenhall Fen Tigers proudly sponsored by Manchetts Rescue and Recovery face the Cradley Heathens in their opening home National League fixture this Sunday (3:00pm start).
There is considerable history between the two clubs and meetings between them are always hotly contested and often with some controversy. The Fen Tigers only other National League fixture so far was at Monmore Green back in early May, where the Heathens secured the three points in the final heat running out 46-44 victors.
The Fen Tigers will be at full strength whilst the visitors have bought in Jack Smith as a replacement for the unlucky Tom Brennan who suffered a nasty injury whilst riding for Eastbourne. Another change late this week sees Lewis Whitmore replaced by Sheldon Davies. The Heathens also feature ex-Fen Tiger Danny Halsey and at number one Max Clegg, who proved an excellent guest for the Fen Tigers at Plymouth recently with a seventeen point return.
Speaking ahead of the meeting Team Manager Malcolm Vasey said “We showed much improved form against Leicester in our last home meeting and I will be looking for more of the same against a strong Cradley side. A fast start will be imperative to put the Heathens on the back foot and as always good race management will prove the key. We must not lose at home if we are to have serious ambitions in the league, starting today!
Danny Ayres has been in scintillating form, his six ride maximum at Kent was something to behold and as a club we are very proud of his achievement of coming third in the British Championship semi final which sees him qualify for the final. His races with Max Clegg this weekend should be worth the admission fee alone!”
Team lineups:
Mildenhall Fen Tigers
1. Danny Ayres (8.90) 2. Matt Marson (4.66) 3. David Wallinger (6.13) 4. Charlie Brooks (4.53) 5. Jason Edwards (6.73) 6. Elliot Kelly (2.00) 7. Macauley Leek (2.86)
Cradley Heathens
1. Max Clegg 8.63 2. Sheldon Davies (2.59) 3. Danny Halsey (6.53) 4. Luke Harris (5.74) 5. Jack Smith (8.41) 6. Tom Spencer (2.00) 7. Harry McGurk (2.00)
There have been changes to the forthcoming fixtures at Mildenhall, with the Stoke fixture originally set for Sunday 23rd June moving back to Sunday 14th July due the Championship 4TT at Peterborough that afternoon. The Fen Tigers have also added a fixture on Sunday 30th June when they welcome the Lakeside Hammers in a challenge fixture.
