The ‘KJM’ Fen Tigers shone in the April sunshine as they relentlessly went about their business to beat the Isle of Wight Warriors 57-33.
Six of the Fen Tigers recorded heat wins with only Adam Sheppard struggling to get to grips with the West Row circuit as the home side cruised to a 24 point win.
This year’s new heat one partnership of Danny Halsey and Alfie Bowtell both recorded scores of paid fourteen, including 5-1’s to open and close the meeting.
Reserve Rob Parker had a day to remember as he recorded a career best return of paid eight including two fine heat wins. The second of which saw the crowd treated to another master class from Jon Armstrong as he team rode his young partner perfectly for four laps.
With Connor Mountain returning to action after last week’s horror crash the engine room of Coles and Mountain ensured the team never relented in the search for points and the visitors were not afforded the opportunity to gain a foothold in the meeting.
The only heat reversal of the afternoon came in Heat twelve when ex-Fen Tiger Mark Baseby held off Mountain for four laps with Tyler Govier claiming third after Sheppard had fell. Baseby was always involved in the thick of the action and recorded two heat wins, his main support coming from the experienced James Cockle and the lively Connor Dugard.
Promoter Kevin Jolly was very happy with the team’s performance: “I was extremely impressed by what I saw today both on and off the track from the lads. To see our top six all scoring good points was refreshing after last season, they were hungry for the victory today, you could see it from the start, and they rode with skill and good sense today.
“If anything I was even more impressed by them off track as they worked as a unit all afternoon. The experienced guys leading from the front and offering guidance and support to the less experienced riders in the team.
“It was great to see Rob (Parker) record his first two heat wins for us, which will help his confidence no end, he was quick though to thank Jon (Armstrong) for all the help he received before and during the meeting and this is a perfect example of the team spirit amongst the boys.
“Dan (Halsey) too was sharing information and helping the lads and the feeling in the pits is as good as I can remember in my time at the club. Alfie (Bowtell) had a day to remember with a high class performance and it is very rewarding to see both new boys bedding in so well.
“Adam (Sheppard) had a difficult afternoon but I must commend him for his efforts and attitude, he never gave in and with a little luck could have scored a few points today.
“Add to that the young Fen Tiger Cubs who showed such promise after the meeting and there is an excellent feel good feeling around the place.”
Mildenhall ‘KJM’ Fen Tigers 57: Danny Halsey 13+1 (5 rides), Alfie Bowtell 11+3 (5), Connor Mountain 9+1 (4), Connor Coles 7+1 (4), Jon Armstrong 9+2 (4), Rob Parker 7+1 (4) and Adam Sheppard 1+1 (4)
Isle of Wight ‘Wightlink’ Islanders 33: Benji Compton 1 (3 rides), Kelsey Dugard 7+1 (5), R/R (Lee Smart), MarkBaseby 11 (6), James Cockle 8 (5), George Piper 1+1 (6) and Tyler Govier 5+2 (6)
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