It’s a top of the table clash at Oxford Stadium this evening (Tuesday 6th. June) when Mildenhall DJS Fen Tigers – sponsored by Manchetts Rescue and Recovery – visit in National Development League [NDL] action.
Both teams go into the meeting on the back of two victories over the weekend: third-placed Oxford Chargers winning both matches on their ‘Northern Tour’ at Edinburgh and Berwick; while the Fen Tigers went top of the NDL courtesy of being the first team to win at Workington and then seeing off the robust challenge of Belle Vue Colts at West Row on Sunday and as a result, leap-frogging the Manchester side in the table.
Mildenhall have an enforced change, with the meeting being on a Tuesday meaning Plymouth-based Ben Trigger is in action in his home city on Championship duty and the GB U21 finalist’s position in the main body of the side is covered by a ‘Guest’ also having a very impressive 2023 campaign, 15-year-old Ashton Boughen. Boughen who hails from near King’s Lynn made a handful of appearances for the Fen Tigers in the back end of last season before opting to sign up with defending champions Leicester this term. Boughen has won, with maximums, all three of the GB Youth Championship rounds he’s contested this season.
Oxford have had to make changes themselves at Reserve with new signing Kelsey Dugard joining Aussie Luke Killeen on the injury sidelines and bringing in Kai Ward to partner the other stand-by Sam Woods.
There are – as has been common in recent matches – three former Fen Tigers riders in their opponents’ ranks: 2021 league title-winning captain, Jordan Jenkins, his successor as Mildenhall skipper last term (recovered from injury which led to his 2022 season ending prematurely), Ryan Kinsley and former GB Youth champion Henry Atkins.
The two sides have already met at West Row last month and that one went right to the wire with Mildenhall today prevailing 45-43. So realistically in order to get the bonus point for aggregate success Jason Gardner’s side need to be looking at emulating their win at Oxford last season.
Gardner commented,
“Our win last year at Oxford was a massive turning point in our season, putting us into the Play Offs at what seemed at the time against the odds. This season only top two will do to get us back into another Play Off Final and getting the match and bonus points again today would be a major step towards our target”.
The teams are:
Oxford Chargers
1. Jordan Jenkins 9.47 (C)
2. Jacob Clouting 3.75
3. Henry Atkins 9.00
4. Jody Scott 4.94
5. Ryan Kinsley 8.44
6. Sam Woods 3.00
7. Kaj Ward 3.00
Mildenhall DJS Fen Tigers
1. Alfie Bowtell 9.60
2. Arran Butcher 6.53
3. Ashton Boughen [G] 5.8i
4. George Congreve 6.25
5. Lee Complin 7.27 (C)
6. William Richardson 3.00
7. Josh Warren 3.75
The action starts at 7.30pm at Oxford Stadium, Sandy Lane, Cowley, OX4 6LJ.
Note: Tickets need to be bought in advance by going to www.oxfordspeedway.club