DUDLEY Heathens gave themselves a great chance of retaining the National Shield with a battling comeback effort in Sunday’s first leg at Mildenhall.

The Fen Tigers, who are also tipped to enjoy a strong season this year, put the Heathens under some pressure when they opened up a ten-point lead after Heat 10 at West Row.

But the Heathens came fighting back with skipper Adam Roynon dominating the closing stages and Ashley Morris showing a fine return to form after his problems in Tuesday’s season opener against Stoke.

Roynon won a tactical ride for double-points in Heat 11 to narrow the gap to seven points, and Darryl Ritchings and Tom Perry then secured a crucial 5-1 in the next race.

A 4-2 in Heat 14 virtually ensured the win on the day for the Fen Tigers, but Morris and Roynon came up with a big finish, a last-race 5-1 over Cameron Heeps and Joe Jacobs leaving them just one point adrift ahead of the second leg at home on April 17.

Boss Will Pottinger praised the spirit in his side, with points contributions coming all the way down the order at one of the toughest away venues in the National League.

He said: “I’m very happy with the result after being ten points down after ten heats. We managed to battle back and I’m delighted about only being one point behind with it all to play for in the second leg a week on Tuesday.”

MILDENHALL 47: Lewis Blackbird 10, Cameron Heeps 9+1, Joe Jacobs 8+1, Daniel Halsey 7, Stefan Nielsen 6+2, Nathan Stoneman 5+1, Josh Bates 2+1.

DUDLEY 46: Adam Roynon 14+2, Ashley Morris 10, Tom Perry 7+1, Byron Bekker 4+1, Darryl Ritchings 4+1, Dan Greenwood 4+1, James White-Williams 3+1.