The ‘KJM/Manchetts’ Fen Tigers claimed their 17th straight league victory whilst extending their unbeaten record to 21 meetings beating Birmingham 53-37

With the bad weather making track conditions a little difficult the Fen Tigers struggled initially to hit their recent heights.

There were plenty of positives though with all riders paid for at least nine points and a sparkling return following injury from Josh Bailey.

Following his recent absence Bailey returned to remind supporters of his ability as he featured in superb races with James Shanes and Nathan Stoneman.

Sam Bebee, following his electric shock at Kent, was back to his best with a fine paid eleven from his five starts and every Fen Tiger was at least paid for a win.

Ex-Fen Tiger Nathan Stoneman was in fine form for the visitors returning paid sixteen but the meeting was unfortunately over a contest when James Shanes withdrew in heat 11 with machinery issues after a collision with Ryan Kinsley that had the Mildenhall supporters and management holding their breath.

Thankfully Kinsley was fit to continue and showed his character coming out to win the re-run. There were falls for Drew Kemp and Jordan Jenkins whilst Matt Marson suffered machine problems when Leon Flint collided with him in heat seven, but thankfully all the Fen Tigers finished the meeting.

Phil Kirk, Fen Tigers team manager, said: “The meeting did not see us at our very best. It was a difficult afternoon with the track riding a little tricky, especially early on, and the meeting having a very stop-start feel about it with the stoppages and with rider replacement being operated by both sides.

“Thankfully we came through unscathed, and move on to our biggest meetings of the season in good shape. It was a massive bonus to have Josh back with us today, the guests we have used have been excellent but having our own lads riding is what we want and Josh showed us what we had been missing with some superb rides especially against Stoneman and Shanes.

“I also felt we were on the wrong end of two or three decisions today that had they gone our way could have seen the margin of victory even greater.”

Scorers –

‘KJM/Manchetts’ Fen Tigers 53

Josh Bailey 10 (5 rides), Drew Kemp 10 (5), Ryan Kinsley 9+2 (5), Jordan Jenkins 9 (5), Sam Bebee 8+3 (5), Matt Marson 7+2 (5) and R/R Danny Ayres

Birmingham 37

Nathan Stoneman 15+1 (6 rides), James Shanes 8 (3), Leon Flint 5 (2), Josh Embleton 5 (6), Nick Laurence 3+1 (6), Sheldon Davies 1 (7) and R/R Tom Bacon