PREVIEW: MILDENHALL v BERWICK (NDL PO SF)

MILDENHALL head into the second leg of their NDL play-off semi-final against Berwick today (Sunday) facing a narrow three-point deficit from last weekend’s opener at Shielfield Park.

The tie will be completed at West Row with both sides looking to set up a Grand Final clash with Leicester.

The Fen Tigers bring in Danny Phillips to guest for concussion victim Jack Kingston, and operate rider replacement for James Shanes, whilst youngster Luke Harrison comes in at reserve for the injured Sam Bebee after impressing in the first leg.

Co-boss Jason Gardner said: “We did brilliantly up at Berwick by keeping the deficit down to three points. But there’s not a trace of complacency as we all remain fully focussed on the job in hand as we go again on Sunday. 

“The home support we’ve received all season and especially in our brilliant run-in which saw us get into the play-offs has been a vital factor and we look forward to having a big crowd on Sunday roaring the Tigers on.”

Meanwhile the Bullets are without Greg Blair due to the after-effects of a head injury, and they too operate rider replacement.

Bullets boss Gary Flint said: “Obviously it’s a blow to not have Greg on-track on Sunday but it is what it is and he will still have a part to play in the pits.

“But the six wearing the Bullets colours on Sunday are the riders whose efforts have got them this far in the first place. They have earned the right to be in the play-off semi-final and are geared up for one more big push.

“We have a lead, albeit a slender one, and we’ll be fighting to defend it. It’s been a long season but no-one in the Berwick camp wants to see it end.”

MILDENHALL: Jason Edwards, James Shanes r/r, Josh Warren, Alex Spooner, Danny Phillips, Luke Harrison, Luke Muff.
BERWICK: Kyle Bickley, Greg Blair r/r, Ace Pijper, Ben Rathbone, Luke Crang, Kieran Douglas, Mason Watson.