The Thundercats eventually got their AJL campaign underway on Sunday at Mildenhall - but it didn't go according to plan.
With steady drizzle throughout the preceding NL meeting the Thundercats hit their first problem when Adam Portwood had problems with his bike during the warm-up and had to pull out of the meeting.
This left the Thundercats down to three riders as Mildenhall rejected the request from manager Neil "Nikko"Day to run R/R.
The first heat started with Thundercats captain Ben Holloway taking an early lead from NL reserve Josh Bates before being overtaken at the end of lap one. Ben however rode well for second.
Heat two was eventful to say the least. In only his second match and still new to racing with three other riders Jamie Collins shot from the tapes to lead the heat only to make a small mistake on the third lap that meant both Fen Tigers caught up. Heading to the chequered flag Jamie and Martin Knuckey were level when Jamie’s bike caught loads of grip and reared up as the riders became entangled as they crossed the line. Both then fell but fortunately after receiving treatment both were able to continue with referee Mick Bates deciding Knuckey crossed the line first.
The Fen Tigers took control of the meeting winning every heat but the Thundercats never stopped trying and were getting quicker as the meeting went on.
The meeting finished with the Fen Tigers the well deserved winners 26-10.
After the meeting Day was disappointed but pleased with all riders.
He commented "it was a bad start with Adam Portwood’s bike problems and with Adam Kirby looking a little rusty but they will both come good as both lads have a lot to offer. I was really pleased that Jamie got three rides under his belt and he should be commended for the way he laid down his bike when Marin Knuckey fell in front of him in Heat 6. A lot of more experienced riders could learn to lay down a bike so quickly and in control. Jamie is raw at the moment but shows massive potential. Finally it was a captains display from Ben who top scored for us and looked a very controlled rider."
The next meeting is away to Lakeside on Friday 11th when, due to unavailability the Thundercats have drafted in Niall Strudwick, and with the kind permission of the Lakeside promotion, Simon Pearce whose first favourite team was the Peterborough Panthers!
The Complete Car Services Mildenhall Fen Tiger Cubs 26 Josh Bates 9 Joe Graver 5+2 Niall Strudwick 7 Martin Knuckey 5+1
Peterborough Thundercats 10 Ben Holloway 5 Adam Kirby 2 Adam Portwood NS Jamie Collins 3+1
Heat 1 - Bates, Holloway, Graver, Kirby (Fell 4th) - Time 55.40 Heat 2 - Knuckey, Collins, Strudwick, three riders only - Time 59.60 - Incredible and scary finish to this heat, thankfully both the front two were ok. Heat 3 - Bates, Knuckey, Kirby, three riders only - Time 54.13 Heat 4 - Strudwick, Graver, Holloway, Collins (15mtrs tapes ) - Time 55.43 Heat 5 - Bates, Graver, Kirby, three riders only - Time 53.15 Heat 6 - Strudwick, Holloway, Collins, Knuckey (Fell 3rd) - Awarded