MILDENHALL Fen Tigers will continue the defence of the NL Knock-Out Cup with a mouthwatering clash against their biggest rivals from 2011, Stoke Potters, in this year’s semi-finals. In the other tie, Dudley will face the Isle of Wight.

MILDENHALL Fen Tigers will continue the defence of the NL Knock-Out Cup with a mouthwatering clash against their biggest rivals from 2011, Stoke Potters, in this year’s semi-finals. In the other tie, Dudley will face the Isle of Wight.

Co-promoter Michael Lee declared himself happy with the draw that has set up a repeat of last year’s final. “In some ways it doesn’t matter who you face at this stage, everyone wants to win a trophy. Like last year, Stoke will be no pushovers, and after we scuppered their double winning chances, they’ll be even more determined to beat us this time around. But as long as we dig deep I’m confident we can do it, and take a big step to keeping the Cup here at West Row!”

Mildenhall’s leg of the semi-final has been pencilled in for 26th August. The rained off NL fixtures against Buxton have now been rearranged. The Hitmen will visit West Row on 24th June, with the Fen Tigers making the trip to Derbyshire on 29th July.

Meanwhile injured skipper Lewis Blackbird is hoping to return earlier than expected, for the home league encounter with Rye House Raiders next Sunday 27th May.

Lee said, “Lewis is going to have a practice and we’ll see how he feels after that. As I know only too well myself, dislocated shoulders can be tricky, as it can feel right and then a bump can cause problems again. It would be great to have him back for the Raiders match, but if we have to wait a bit longer we, and more importantly Lewis, will just have to be patient.”