Mildenhall Fen Tigers 45, Sheffield Tigers 45

Mildenhall Fen Tigers were given a stern test in their opening speedway event of the 2007 season on Sunday 18Tth March . Kyle Legaults' previous club,Sheffield Tigers were the visitors to West Row in the first of a two-legged Top Tiger Trophy Challenge, with the contest ending in a draw. The Fen Tigers handed debuts to five new team members as Kyle managed 3 second places from four starts. Shaun Tacey got the hosts off to the perfect start by winning the first race and this was followed by Jason King and Mark Thompson achieving a maximum 5-1 win. After the visitors had fought their way back into the meeting, Mildenhall's Mario Jirout and Shaun Tacey teamed up for another 5-1 win. At 39-39, Jamie Smith and Jason King also won 5-1 to regain Mildenhall's advantage but the West Row club lost by the same score in the last race of the evening as Sheffield snatched a last gasp draw. New Mildenhall Co-promoter Simon Barton was pleased with the result. "We were up against a very strong Sheffield side and very nearly took the victory," he said. "It was particularly pleasing to see all riders contributing to the score line. That strength in depth will ensure many victories at West Row this season. "The challenge match is regarded as a warm up ahead of the Premier Trophy campaign which begins this Sunday when Mildenhall take to their home circuit against Somerset. Team manager Laurence Rogers said, "It all starts for real on Sunday. We have three former Somerset Rebels in our side in Jason, Mario and Jamie, so we will be looking to put one over them."