The Mildenhall Fen Tigers have returned to the top of Speedway's National Development League (NDL) after beating a resolute Edinburgh Monarchs Academy side 48-41.

The passes and falls came thick and fast for both sides during an afternoon of thrilling nip and tuck heats, with the Tigers just having enough to get themselves over the line.

The back-and-forth contest was decided in the penultimate heat 14 when George Congreve and Josh Warren held off the visitors to settle the match with an unassailable seven points margin heading into the final heat.

Warren had even fallen off his bike during the heat, but such was his determination he ensured a second place finish.

Ely Standard: There were lots of falls and twists and turns during the NDL speedway fixture.There were lots of falls and twists and turns during the NDL speedway fixture. (Image: Derek Leader)

There were heroes aplenty for the home side, but Young rider William Richardson was particularly impressive on the day in what was by some distance his best performance of this debut season.

Richardson was unfortunate to miss out on a first second place finish in heat two but was pleased with how things went and said: "I know I've had a slow start of the season, but it's a learning curve, and I really feel now that I'm moving forward and am comfortable with how things are going.

"The spirit here among the team is fantastic, and I can't thank all of my teammates enough for all the help, encouragement & support they give me".

Ely Standard: William Richardson leads from the front against an Edinburgh riderWilliam Richardson leads from the front against an Edinburgh rider (Image: Derek Leader)

Team manager Jason Gardner added: "I'm very pleased with the whole team today, and yes, it was especially pleasing to see young William [Richardson] right in the mix in all his rides and also a word about that massive second place for Josh [Warren] picking himself off the deck after a heavy crash in heat 14. 

READ MORE: Tigers win epic to secure first away win at Berwick in last 28 meetings

"Edinburgh were a tough outfit, and a win by seven points puts us back top of the league and gives us a target to hold onto when we visit north of the border next month".

With no confirmed date yet for the rearranged match away at Leicester, it is likely that it’s not until next month that Gardner’s charges take to track again.