King’s Lynn Stars v Ipswich Witches

Report

IPSWICH ended their run of seven straight defeats by winning 48-42 at bottom club King’s Lynn on Monday.

Craig Cook made a successful return to the Adrian Flux Arena with 12+1 against his former side, and reserve Paul Starke racked up 14+2 as he took extra rides after Andres Rowe crashed out.

But the Witches were left frustrated in their bid for all four league points by two late 4-2s for the Stars, who lost their fifth successive home match. Richard Lawson top-scored with 12.

Ipswich boss Ritchie Hawkins said: “I’m pleased to get the win but disappointed not to take four points. With the run of form we have been in and our injuries, the bigger picture is that it is another point dropped.

“Starkey (Paul Starke) was really good, and he put in a massive shift doing seven rides again. It was vital that he did that after losing Anders.

“He had a dislocated knee about a month ago and it popped out again tonight. I didn’t think he was fit enough to carry on and the doctor agreed with me. He needs a bit of recuperation, and I can’t see him being fit for Thursday, but I hope he will be back after that.”

King’s Lynn manager Peter Schroeck said: “We got close but we didn’t have enough strength as a team. You only have to look at the scorecard for the weak links in the team and we certainly couldn’t match their reserves.

“It’s so disappointing but we have to keep going to try and put it right.”

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Photo credit: DEREK LEADER