MILDENHALL overcame several absences to defeat Buxton 55-35 in their National League opener at West Row.
With Jordan Jenkins and Sam Bebee out due to injury and Danny Ayres also unavailable, the Fen Tigers still took a comfortable victory with Drew Kemp (13+2), Ryan Kinsley (13+1) and Josh Bailey (11+2) taking centre-stage.
Ben Wilson piled up 15 from six rides for the Hitmen, and there was an impressive return from injury for David Wallinger with 10.
Mildenhall promoter Kevin Jolly said: “I was very impressed with how the lads performed today, we spoke to them before the meeting about Wednesday and how we needed to try to put that behind us now and move forward again.
“They responded well and although it was disappointing to have to go without Sam today, using R/R for him allowed some important extra track time for both Ryan and Matt (Marson) and I am pleased to say both responded how we hoped.”
Buxton boss Josh Moss said: “We were up against a really good side especially around their home track, but we gave them a run for their money and the two 5-1’s in the final couple of races made the score look a little flattering to them.
“Ben rode extremely well, and David hit the ground running on his return. I was pleased to see Lewis Whitmore get his first win for us and Kieran Douglas who rode hard for his paid five points, and I can see the progression of the youngsters with every meeting.”
Meanwhile Coventry were held to a two-point margin by Eastbourne in the first leg of their Knockout Cup semi-final.
The Bees led by eight points with four heats to go, but a disqualification for the otherwise unbeaten Connor Mountain (12) in Heat 13 and a fall for captain Jon Armstrong in Heat 15 thwarted their progress. Tom Brennan scored an impressive 15 from six rides for the Eagles.
Armstrong said: “All the lads have tried hard, you can’t knock anyone for their effort, and Eastbourne are a good side.
“Tom Brennan rode exceptionally well for them today, and Mark Baseby and Georgie Wood are no mugs so they’ve got three good heat-leaders there plus young Edwards at reserve.
“We had a go and dug in, and we had a bit of misfortune here and there such as the exclusion of Connor in Heat 13, and also if I hadn’t come off in Heat 15, but it’s just one of those things.”
Eastbourne promoter Martin Dugard said: “We were obviously weaker than the last time we came here and lost 51-39 as we were without Charley Powell and Charlie Brooks.
“As a team we rode very well and it was a good performance. Deep down, I didn't think we would get that close so we have to be pleased with the afternoon's work.”
