Now that the dust have settled (and sweaty brows have been mopped!) on the dramatic Cup semi-final fought out over the past two weekends, Mildenhall Fen Tigers -  proudly sponsored by Manchetts Rescue and Recovery – can look forward to a National Development League [NDL] Knock Out Cup Final. There’s quite a wait to find out who the Suffolk side will be facing in the Final, with the Leicester Lion Cubs vs. Berwick Bullets not getting to track for their semi for two months yet and so now attention shifts to defending the NDL title won in 2021.

On behalf of the club’s management, co-owner Phil Kirk commented,

“There were a few nervous moments on Sunday afternoon in the second leg [at Iwade Speedway vs. cup semi opponents, Kent Royals] but the lads pulled together and they got the job done. After excellent performances the previous weekend, a couple of the side struggled a little at Iwade on a track where gating was everything, although in fairness to Alex [Spooner] he was on the end of another strange decision by the officials in heat 14.

“But, Josh [Warren] and Jack [Kingston] stepped up with big points and I was particularly impressed with Josh who looked very assured on track and is clearly benefiting from Ritchie Hawkins’ support. Top scorer Jason [Edwards] was as always composed and classy and in the end we just had enough.” 

And Phil was keen to give thanks to the backing from the Fen Tigers’ amazing fans, 

“We are very happy to be in our first final of the season and it's only the start of May. The other semi-final won't be resolved until early July so we don't know our opponents in the KOC Final yet but it is great to be able to give our supporters something to look forward to in the summer!  Whilst speaking of our supporters a big thank you to those that made the trip today, the team really appreciate you being there supporting them.”

The Fen Tigers are next in action at West Row on Sunday 15th. May in what will be the opening match of their NDL season – taking on another of the sides new to the division this term, Plymouth Centurions. The Devon side have had a difficult start to 2022, defeated in their opening home match to fellow league newcomers, Kent and now over the long weekend losing to injury their number one Daniel Gilkes; but the newly-named Centurions will be able to call on a top NDL rider to Guest for their absent star and represent a significant first challenge for the defending champions.