The Warriors return to action at the Andrew Younie Smallbrook Stadium on Thursday (3 May) when they entertain Mildenhall Fen Tigers in a National Trophy fixture. Gates open at 17.30 with tapes up at 19.00.
The Warriors defeat by Eastbourne seven days ago heightened the managements resolve to strengthen the side and earlier this week announced the arrival of experienced Shaun Tedham to take over one of the reserve berths from the unfortunate Jamie Sealey.
Tedham, who rode for Stoke Potters last season, will start off his Warriors career against the current National Trophy holders who have undertaken major surgery to their line up for the new season. Bad weather has hampered their track time so far, but that won’t worry big signings Danny Ayres and Josh Bailey or Jordan Jenkins who is the youngest captain in the National League. Fen Tigers also include precocious talent Drew Kemp who is sure to be a thorn in the Warriors side.
On the home side, last week’s maximum man Ben Morley is missing on Championship duty for Lakeside so former Warrior Mark Baseby makes a quick return as a guest after his all action efforts for the Eagles last week. Adam Portwood is expected to have recovered from illness and will take his place in a Warriors side looking to get back to winning ways ahead of another tricky trip to Eastbourne on Saturday.
The ‘Wightlink’ Wizards will also be racing at Eastbourne on Saturday in their first Southern Development League fixture when they will take on the nomadic Weymouth Wildcats.
Warriors co-promoter Barry Bishop said, “The Fen Tigers have built a quality outfit including lots of young British talent, not to mention the brilliant Danny Ayres, however they fallen foul of the poor weather at the start of the season and Thursday will be their first team fixture. With the ‘Wightlink’ Warriors bringing in Shaun Tedham, could it be our night? One thing is for sure, it will be a cracker”.
Warriors: Mark Baseby, Chris Widman, Scott Campos, Danno Verge, Ben Hopwood, Shaun Tedham, Adam Portwood.
Fen Tigers: Josh Bailey, Sam Bebee, Jordan Jenkins, Ryan Kinsley, Danny Ayres, Drew Kemp, Matt Marson.