The Mildenhall Fen Tigers proudly sponsored by Manchetts Rescue and Recovery face a busy schedule this week with three meetings from Thursday to Sunday. The travel to the Isle of Wight Thursday evening, moving onto Plymouth Friday evening before racing the return fixture against the Isle of Wight at Mildenhall Stadium on Sunday afternoon (3pm start).
The week has been difficult for the Fen Tigers as they try to put together sides that can secure the precious points they require in their play off push. On Friday at Plymouth Captain and talisman Danny Ayres will be absent with Fen Tigers ‘regular’ Ben Morley stepping into the number one berth. Young starlet Jason Edwards will miss both meetings and potentially Sunday’s as well as he takes part in the European U19 Finals in Pardubice and Zarnovica. The Fen Tigers will operate rider replacement for Jason on both Thursday and Friday. With Elliot Kelly reporting soreness following his first practise following his shoulder injury over the weekend Macauley Leek will cover for him on Thursday and Friday. Finally, Charlie Brooks is unavailable on Thursday and a guest replacement has been bought in the shape of Plymouth Gladiators ex-Fen Tiger Nathan Stoneman. Nathan’s average has dropped recently due to injury, but the Isle of Wight is clearly a track he enjoys as a fifteen point maximum early in the season shows!
Further complications have been added today with the news received that Henry Atkins must ride in a major grass track event on Sunday rather than turn out for the Fen Tigers. The club are now looking at their options for Sunday.
Mildenhall co-owner Phil Kirk said “This has been the most difficult week we have encountered yet this season and it has been literally all hands to the pump to sort out our team. If anything we have been the victims of having exciting young and improving riders in our line up that are receiving call ups to big events and rides in the higher leagues. We readily accept this as this is what Mildenhall speedway is all about, and move on positively ahead of the coming meetings. Hopefully our supporters will understand the situation and back the lads that are coming into the side to help us at the Isle of Wight and Plymouth, these are three season defining meetings coming up where we must secure some away points and beat the Isle of Wight on Sunday.
As soon as we are able to we will advise of Sunday’s team, but I can confirm one very special guest will be with us, Super Sam Norris! Sam has made excellent progress since his crash, although he still has a long road ahead of him, and it will be wonderful to welcome him and his Mum and Dad Claire and Chris back ‘home’ on Sunday afternoon. Hopefully the sun will shine and we can make it an afternoon to remember for Sam”
Teams lineups (Thursday):
Isle of Wight Warriors
1. Georgie Wood 9.60, 2. Chad Wirtzfeld 3.77,3. Scott Campos 4.62, 4. R/R (Danno Verge) 6.18, 5. Ben Morley 9.14, 6. ConnorKing 3.25 and Chris Widman 2.96
Milldenhall Fen Tigers`
1. Danny Ayres 9.71, 2. Matt Marson 6.29, 3. R/R (Jason Edwards) 7.50, 4. Nathan Stoneman (G) 5.71 5. Henry Atkins 6.90, 6. Arran Butcher 2.00 and 7. Macauley Leek (G) 2.86
Teams lineups (Friday):
Plymouth Gladiators
1. Ben Wilson 9.00, 2. R/R (Adam Extance) 5.55, 3. David Wallinger 6.13, 4. Nathan Stoneman 4.92, 5. Richard Andrews 7.29, 6. Adam Sheppard 3.69 and Jamie Bursill 2.43
Mildenhall Fen Tigers
1. Ben Morley (G) 9.14, 2. Matt Marson 6.29, 3. R/R (Jason Edwards) 7.50, 4. Charlie Brooks 5.71 5. Henry Atkins 6.90, 6. Arran Butcher 2.00 and 7. Macauley Leek 2.86
