Mildenhall Fen Tigers show no mercy to weakened Cradley and their play-off hopes are still very much alive

Mildenhall ‘KJM/Manchetts’ Fen Tigers raced to a comprehensive victory against a Cradley side missing no fewer than five of their side.

Although Connor Coles guested for the injured Tom Perry the ‘Heathens’ arrived at West Row without Luke Harris, Joe Lawlor, Connor Dwyer and Richard Hall, using four unattached three pointers to plug the gaps.

Much of the racing was unsurprisingly processional but the home debut of the exciting 15-year-old Drew Kemp lit up the afternoon and gave the home fans plenty to cheer.

The highlight of his afternoon being a superb pillar to post victory over ex-Fen Tigers captain Coles, as he raced to a paid 12 return.

Only an unfortunate bike problem in heat 10 stopped the Ipswich-based youngster from increasing that total.

Both Jordan Jenkins and Danny Halsey inflicted fine race victories over Cradley No.1 and crowd favourite Danny Ayres while double figure scores for both Connor Mountain and Jon Armstrong meant a big pay day all round.

Alex Spooner, guesting for the injured Danno Verge, also put in a very solid performance with his paid ten being just reward for his efforts, while Danny Halsey raced to three wins following an unlucky exclusion in his first ride.

Club promoter Kevin Jolly was unsure what to take from the meeting.

“I don’t like our paying public having to witness such an unbalanced meeting but this really was out of our hands and there was no option but to run the meeting,” he said.

“That said the lads put in a very professional performance with all six getting at least two paid wins as we rattled off 12 heat wins in the afternoon.

“Young Drew (Kemp) put in a very promising performance and I was particularly impressed by his ride in heat four where after leading Connor Coles before the race was stopped, he showed real composure to go out and do it again in the re-run.

“We will take each meeting as it comes now and see where we finish but while there is a mathematical chance of us making the play-offs, we will keep pushing for them.

“We will have Luke (Ruddick) back next weekend which is very important to us as he has ridden so well in the difficult No.2 position and rider replacement just cannot cover for his scoring ability. We should also have an update on Danno (Verge) early next week and hopefully he too can resume his place in the side”

Mildenhall: Jordan Jenkins 14 (5 rides), Connor Mountain 10+2 (5), Drew Kemp 10+2 (6), Jon Armstrong 10+1 (5),Danny Halsey 9 (4), Alex Spooner 7+3 (5) and R/R Luke Ruddick

Cradley: Connor Coles 13 (6 rides), Danny Ayres 7 (5), William O’Keefe 6 (5), Joe Alcock 2+1 (6), Jamie Bursill 0 (5), Lewis Whitmore 0 (1) and R/R Richard Hall

Ipswich Witches clash at Sheffield yesterday was called off because of the weather. It will be re-run on Thursday as part of a double header at Sheffield – the Witches on second.