Berwick Bullets v Mildenhall Fen Tigers

BERWICK edged to a 46-43 win over Mildenhall in the first leg of their NDL play-off semi-final at Shielfield Park after an incident-packed meeting.

The Bullets led by 12 points after ten races but the Fen Tigers roared back to take the next three heats by a 15-2 margin as both home riders were disqualified from Heat 13.

Luke Crang (14) and Mason Watson (10+1) notched a 5-1 in Heat 14 to put Berwick back in front before Mildenhall No.1 Jason Edwards (16+1) became the first rider to defeat Crang in a shared Heat 15.

Youngster Luke Harrison also impressed for the Fen Tigers with 11, and they stage the second leg at West Row next Sunday.

Bullets boss Gary Flint said: “No question that three heat period from 11 to 13 cost us dearly. Three falls and a retirement saw vital points go astray along with those we lost when Greg’s (Blair) engine problems turned a 5-1 into a shared heat.

“Both sides were fully committed and deserve credit for what was a superb night’s racing.

“They probably think they have done the hard work by keeping the tie so close, but we will travel on Sunday knowing that the Final place is still very much within our grasp.”

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 1st leg
BERWICK 46: Luke Crang 14, Mason Watson 10+1, Kyle Bickley 8, Ace Pijper 7+3, Greg Blair 3+2, Kieran Douglas 2+1, Ben Rathbone 2.
MILDENHALL 43: Jason Edwards 16+1, Luke Harrison 11, Jack Kingston 6+1, Alex Spooner 5, Josh Warren 4+2, Luke Muff 1, James Shanes r/r.

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Photo credit: KEITH HAMBLIN