Mildenhall Fen Tigers v Oxford Chargers

Report

MILDENHALL produced a big finish to edge out Oxford 45-43 in a thrilling NDL contest at West Row.

The Fen Tigers’ top two of Alfie Bowtell and Lee Complin took 5-1s in both of Heats 13 and 15 to see their side to victory, leading to wild celebrations for home skipper Complin.

Both he and Bowtell suffered a non-finish during the meeting with Bowtell also on the wrong end of a 5-1 to Chargers duo Henry Atkins and Jody Scott in Heat 10.

But Bowtell won three races to finish on 10 points, a total matched by Atkins and Ryan Kinsley for the visitors.

Complin said: “We never gave up, and when our backs were against the wall we clubbed together as a team.

“Oxford deserve a great deal of credit for their part in the match – they are a very good side. It was great to do it for our fans who have been terrific.”

Chargers boss Peter Schroeck said: “I was feeling very deflated about everything that happened at Belle Vue on Friday. That was a very long and stressful day. But I got the enjoyment out of today. Not many teams will push Mildenhall around here as close as we did, while the track held up well.

“Don’t get me wrong, I like to see the team to win. But the Chargers are all about progression and we’re seeing so much of that.”

MILDENHALL 45: Alfie Bowtell 10, Lee Complin 9+2, Arran Butcher 7+2, George Congreve 7+1, Josh Warren 6, Ben Trigger 4, William Richardson 2+1.
OXFORD 43: Henry Atkins 10, Ryan Kinsley 10, Joe Thompson 9, Jody Scott 7+3, Jacob Clouting 3+1, Sam Woods 3+1, Jacob Fellows 1.

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Photo credit: DEREK LEADER