IOW 46 Mildenhall 44 KO Cup semi-final, first leg

A depleted but defiant Fen Tigers pulled out one of their best performances in recent times when it was most needed.

Although never ahead they continually clawed back the deficit every time the Islanders looked to be getting away from them, giving them a great chance to progress to the final in the second leg on Sunday.

Pivotal to their success was the performance of guest James Sarjeant who scored paid 13 from his six rides and star reserve, the fast improving Danny Phillips who after a retirement in his first ride was paid 14 in his next five!

With good support from number one Stefan Nielsen, Captain Danny Halsey (who rode with a damaged hand on returning from the US) and Aaron Baseby the Fen Tigers go into the second leg at Mildenhall with only a two point margin to recover.

Club chairman Kevin Jolly was understandably delighted with his team’s performance –

“What can I say, the lads were brilliant last night, they gave their all, and reaped their reward. There were heroes everywhere you looked, Danny riding through the pain of his hand injury showed the commitment we needed and the true Captain he has become, our guests gave full commitment to the cause and Aaron after a difficult start bounced back with two fine rides to score important points just when we needed it. Stefan too was as always in the thick of the action and won the important heat 13 for us, and although Liam didn’t score he gave his best in what was a difficult fixture for him to return in.

Of course we know the job is only half done, the Isle of Wight are a good side, they know our track pretty well now, and certainly won’t relinquish their lead without a fight. We need to be on our game from the start, it will be tight I am sure but if the passion I saw last night it there tonight I am confident we will progress to the Cup Final for a third year running”

Scorers -

ISLE OF WIGHT 46: Steve Worrall 13+1, Tom Perry 12, Ben Hopwood 9, Lee Smart 5+2, Danny Stoneman 5, Chris Widman 2+1, Brendan Johnson R/R.

MILDENHALL 44: James Sarjeant 12+1, Danny Phillips 11+3, Stefan Nielsen 10+1, Daniel Halsey 7, Aaon Baseby 4+1, Liam Rumsey 0, Jon Armstrong R/R

THE second leg is taking place at West Row this Sunday, October 20, 3.30pm