The IPSWICH Witches overcame the absence of former World Champion Jason Doyle to defeat Belle Vue 51-39 in a strong opening-night performance at Foxhall.
Doyle was missing due to personal reasons but the Witches still got off to a winning start in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership, pulling clear after the scores had been level after the first six races.
Emil Sayfutdinov (12+1) and captain Danny King (11+2) both scored paid-13 whilst Adam Ellis enjoyed a successful debut with 7+1 after finishing last in Heat 1.
The Aces’ scoring was dominated by skipper Brady Kurtz, who won four races to finish on 13, whilst Dan Bewley collected nine including a stunning win from the back over Sayfutdinov and Ellis, and new signing Connor Mountain impressed at reserve with seven.
Ipswich boss Ritchie Hawkins said: “I’m really happy, it was certainly a tricky night and a potential banana skin against a very good Belle Vue team. We coped with them well and improved during the meeting, every single rider. It was everything I could have asked for from an opening night.
“Everyone scored and everyone contributed, nobody struggled throughout the meeting consistently. Losing Doyley is a massive blow to our team, but Scott (Nicholls) came in and did a really good job and I’m really happy he could guest. His contribution took the pressure off the other boys.
“It was great to see a good crowd in for opening night giving us good backing and I’m sure they were all entertained again, and we have got a long season ahead, but it was a positive start.”
Mountain said: “I don’t want to get too carried away, but I think that’s the best I’ve ever scored around Ipswich, and I’m very proud of that!
“It’s not only our first away match, but our first match as a team and it’s always a tough one to break the ice, especially when you’re away from home.
“I think we can be pleased with this result. Obviously we wanted to win but at the same time, we’re only down by 12 on aggregate and that puts us in a great position for the return leg.”
Full Referee scorecard
ipswich_21.03.24_reswords by British Speedway – Feature Image by Jeff Higgott
