Blackbird back for Fen Tigers for clash with Raiders

Thursday, May 24, 2012
9:30 AM

Mildenhall Fen Tigers hopes of keeping their unbeaten record this season have received a massive boost with skipper Lewis Blackbird declaring himself fit to return for Sunday’s National League clash with Rye House Raiders at West Row.

Blackbird dislocated his shoulder in the KO Cup win at King’s Lynn three weeks ago, and the initial diagnosis was that he would be out for at least six weeks. But it seems the injury has healed much quicker than expected.

“When I went to see the physio at the end of last week, even he admitted he was surprised that I had a full range of movement again. But I can honestly say the shoulder is feeling good and I’ve got some practice sessions at various tracks lined up before Sunday so that I’m ready to go! It’s been tough being on the sidelines and, proud as I am of the way the boys have dug deep to take maximum points from our first two meetings, I want to be a leader on the track not just in the pits.”

The Fen Tigers’ captain has also taken the opportunity to thank supporters and other backers for their help during his enforced lay-off.

“The collection the fans had for me was fantastic and proved why they are the best in the land. Troy Dudley and the Jude’s Ferry pub, who back me, have been brilliant as well. Now I want to start to repay everyone with lots of points on the track, starting against the Raiders. When they were riding under the Hackney name last year, I got my first maximum so a repeat of that would be nice.”

Team manager Rob Henry is looking forward to renewing old rivalries as well.

“We had a 100% record against them in the League and Cup last year, and the whole team is riding so well at the moment I am confident that we can pick up all three points again on Sunday. They are all bubbling and want to win win win!”

The Raiders will be led by former Fen Tiger David Mason and give a debut to Mildenhall Fen Tiger Cub regular 15-year-old Joe Graver, who signed for them this week.

Mildenhall Fen Tigers:

1 Cameron Heeps 9.18

2 Joe Jacobs 6.27

3 Stefan Nielsen 5.28

4 Daniel Halsey 4.76

5 Lewis Blackbird (c) 7.01

6 Nathan Stoneman 3.00

7 Josh Bates 3.00

Team Manager: Robert Henry

Rye House Raiders:

1 David Mason (c) 7.32

2 Shane Hazelden 6.44

3 Ben Morley 6.77

4 Luke Chessell 3.51

5 James Sarjeant 6.47

6 Joe Graver 3.00

7 Nick Lee 3.00

Team Manager: John Sampford

The match will be followed by the Anglian Junior League clash between the Mildenhall Complete Car Services Fen Tiger Cubs and the Rye House Pocket Rockets.