The Mildenhall Fen Tigers proudly sponsored by Manchetts Rescue and Recovery strengthened their play off hopes with a fine 51-38 victory over the Kent Kings.
On his return to the Fen Tigers, Ryan Kinsley produced a display of style and power as he romped to an immaculate fifteen point maximum featuring his traditiona blasts around the outside. With excellent support from Charlie Brooks and the rest of the side all chipping in with at least a paid win the Fen Tigers were able to cope with the loss of captain Matt Marson following a scary first bend collision in heat eight.
Young Fen Tiger reserve Elliot Kelly and his opposite number in the Kent side Jacob Clouting tangled going into the first bend and picked up Marson who was racing on the outside. Marson withdrew with a wrist injury and the unlucky Kings lost Clouting from the remainder of the meeting. Already operating rider replacement, the Kings had lost their other reserve, Luke Barnes, after falls in the first two heats and had to ride four heats with only three riders. The plucky visitors held onto the Tigers tails until heat thirteen and impressive displays from Dan Gilkes, guest Joe Lawlor and Jordan Jenkins always kept the meeting interesting with some fine racing. As well as Kinsley’s blasts there was some excellent passes from Brooks, Connor Coles and Henry Atkins to enjoy.
Team Manager Malcolm Vasey was full of praise for his team – he said “Losing Matt made things difficult for us, but again the lads responded and pulled together to ensure we claimed another three important points. The return of Ryan was more than we could have hoped for as he raced to a pretty perfect fifteen point maximum and the whole team performed with credit.
We now have a breather until Monday week when we meet the Kings again in the return League fixture when if we show the passion and character we have in the last two home meetings there is no reason why we cannot get something out of the meeting”
Mildenhall Fen Tigers 51
Ryan Kinsley 15, Charlie Brooks 11+1, Connor Coles 7+1, Elliot Kelly 7, Henry Atkins 5+1, Matt Marson 3+1, Arran Butcher 3+1.
Kent Kings 38
Dan Gilkes 11+1, Joe Lawlor 11, Jordan Jenkins 9+3, Anders Rowe 6, Jacob Clouting 1, Luke Barnes 0, Rob Ledwith r/r.