The defence of Mildenhall Fen Tigers’ – proudly sponsored by Manchetts Rescue and Recovery – National Development League [NDL] title gets underway at 3pm today when Plymouth Centurions make the long journey from the south-west to provide the opposition at West Row.

Already having got themselves into a Cup Final after their aggregate success over Kent Royals, the Fen Tigers go into this one full of confidence and with an unchanged line up. 

There’s been some problems early doors for the visitors (back in the NDL after a number of years out) with their number one Dan Gilkes out injured and the captain they started the campaign with Henry Atkins walking away from the club.

Gilkes’ absence is admirably compensated for by last year’s title-winning Mildenhall skipper Jordan Jenkins ‘Guesting’ in the no. 1 race jacket; whilst the absence of another former Fen Tiger, Atkins can only be covered by an unallocated three pointer. That role goes to Tim Colley, the rider born in a famous Speedway town of old, Long Eaton last seen at West Row in a similar unfamiliar role for the previous Kent Royals team when they visited last July.

Teams [in alphabetical order] {with averages}

Mildenhall Fen Tigers:
Sam Bebee 5.16; Jason Edwards 8.84; Jack Kingston  4.44;  Ryan Kinsley 9.14; Luke Muff 3.00;  Alex Spooner 6.40;  Josh Warren 3.00 

Plymouth Centurions:
Richard Andrews 6.55; Tim Colley 3.00; Adam Extance 5.67; Jordan Jenkins [Guest – for Dan Gilkes, 10.30]; Connor King 3.67; Eli Meadows 3.oo; Ben Trigger 3.57

Gates open at 1.30pm with tapes up at 3pm.