4pm on Sunday (9/7) and the green light will go on for Mildenhall DJS Fen Tigers’ – sponsored by Manchetts Rescue and Recovery – latest match in Speedway’s National Development League [NDL].
But it’s different coloured lights in the spotlight as far as the West Row-staged meeting is concerned this time – as it’s Blue Lights Week, with those working in the Emergency, Health & Social Care services all able to take advantage of a special admission offer. In acknowledgement of the fantastic dedicated service given to the community and the nation as a whole, those working for the Police, Fire Service, NHS and in Care provision will – upon presentation of their ID badges – be charged half rate admission to the vital NDL match against the Edinburgh Monarchs Academy.
The side from the Scottish capital certainly represent a significant challenge to Mildenhall’s team boss Jason Gardner’s charges, aiming to retain their top two position (the status needed when the dust settles on the regular NDL season to get into the title-deciding Play Offs come October).
“It’s going to be an interesting match for sure – the Edinburgh side is certainly a strong one on paper and they won their last away match at Berwick, with three strong heat leaders and an in form reserve in their Aussie, Dayle Wood. We will need to keep them them quiet especially if we want the vital aggregate bonus point”.The Fen Tigers have no injury problems – with the enforced break after unseasonal bad weather saw the last scheduled home meeting (vs. Workington Comets) washed out, giving previous concussion casualty Josh Warren plenty of time to get fit. Their opponents though have had to make changes since their notable performance winning in the Borders last weekend. Youngster Kyran Lyden dislocated his shoulder (ironically a similar injury to the one when he appeared at West Row in individual action last term) and sits this one out – with the Rider Replacement facility used to cover his rides. That coming on top of the longer term absence of former Fen Tiger, Alex Spooner (broken collarbone) means that the Academy team boss Scott Wilson has been able to bring in a ‘Guest’ and has plumped for Berwick’s Jamie Halder. Yorkshireman Halder was last seen at West Row last season riding for Kent Royals – where he scored three points in total in two meetings (affected by injury in the second).
Confirmed teams (with averages) are as follows:
Mildenhall DJS Fen Tigers
1. Alfie Bowtell 9.30
2. Arran Butcher 5.41
3. Ben Trigger 6.76
4. George Congreve 5.50
5. Lee Complin 7.89 (Captain)
6. William Richardson 3.00
7. Josh Warren 4.82
Edinburgh Monarchs Academy
1. Max Clegg 11.83
2. Rider Replacement for Kyran Lyden 3.50
3. Adam Roynon 9.27 (Captain)
4. Jamie Halder [Guest] 5.07
5. Jacob Hook 7.80
6. Mickie Simpson 3.00
7. Dayle Wood 3.00
Gates on Sunday (9th.) open at 2.30pm, with a reminder again that to take advantage of the ‘Blue Lights’ offer, members of the emergency & health/care services need to bring appropriate work IDs. The pre-meeting parade is at 3.40pm and tapes up on Mildenhall vs. Edinburgh at 4pm.