AFTER the washout of Workington on Sunday, the Fen Tigers are thrown into the lions den for their speedway Premier League opener at Rye House s fortress Hoddesdon home. The early-season Trophy action between the teams was breathtaking, going down to the

AFTER the washout of Workington on Sunday, the Fen Tigers are thrown into the lions' den for their speedway Premier League opener at Rye House's fortress Hoddesdon home.

The early-season Trophy action between the teams was breathtaking, going down to the final heat of 30 races to decide the aggregate score until the Premier holders grabbed victory.

The Tigers lost 50-40 in the away fixture and 50-41 in the early-season challenge clash.

Mildenhall promoter Mick Horton will again be relying on his top men Jason Lyons, Daniel King and Jon Armstrong to keep the Suffolk club in with a shout.

Horton has strengthened his options in the reserve positions by adding Academy member Matthew Wright to the Premier League squad, who will share the role with Barry Burchatt.

Horton made the move after seeing Wright put together some impressive outings for the Academy side and will make his choice on who will partner Armstrong on a week-to-week basis based on current form.

The Jolly-Chef Academy travel to the Norfolk Arena on Friday (7.30pm) against Boston with the return leg at West Row on Sunday (3.30pm). Sandwiched in between is a daunting trip for the ASL Freight Fen Tigers to reigning Premier League champions Rye House on Saturday (7pm).

Both Mildenhall teams go into the meetings on the back of an empty week after last Sunday's action against Workington (PL) and Rye House (CL KO Cup) was inevitably postponed because of a waterlogged track following 24 hours of rain.

Number one Andrew Bargh misses Sunday's meeting as he rides in the World Under 21 qualifiers at Sheffield, so Scroggins will be operating rider replacement at No.3 with Matthew Wright switching to No.1.

Boston are bolstered by King's Lynn reserves John Oliver and Simon Lambert and are led by 26-year-old Yorkshireman James Birkinshaw. He has a wealth of experience at this level and joins on the back of a season spent with Glasgow and Newcastle in the Premier League.

Admission for Sunday's Conference action is as follows: Adults £10, concessions £8, children £5, under-12s free.