PREVIEW: IPSWICH v SHEFFIELD (ROWE MOTOR OIL PREM)

IPSWICH host Sheffield in a big clash of the top two teams in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership at Foxhall tonight (Thursday).

The clubs have regularly contested major silverware in recent seasons and they find themselves at the summit once again in 2025, with the Witches starting the meeting in first place by virtue of the Tigers’ heavy defeat at Leicester on Monday.

The home side have called in Sam Masters to guest for the injured Jason Doyle whilst Connor Mountain steps in at reserve with Dan Thompson still ruled out.

Meanwhile the visitors are boosted by the return of Jack Holder who missed their previous match due to a GP qualifier, but Anders Rowe misses out after suffering a groin injury at Poole on Wednesday.

Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins said: “Every meeting against Sheffield is tough and we had a great battle up there a few weeks ago, and hopefully that will be replicated again on Thursday for the fans.

“We are keen to come away with three points and they will see it as an opportunity to get a win at Ipswich, and we need to get the ball back rolling after a few tough meetings recently.

“We have got Sam coming in for Jason and we know him very well, he has done a brilliant job every time he has guested for us before. Connor will do a couple of meetings guesting for Dan. I have tried a few times to get him in but unfortunately, we haven’t been able to do it due to other commitments he has had.”

The aggregate point is also available with the Tigers having edged the home encounter 46-44, and captain Josh Pickering is pleased to have another meeting so soon after Monday’s disappointment in the East Midlands.

Pickering said: “That’s one good thing about speedway, you don’t have too many days to sit around, ponder on things and worry and stress – you’ve got to be focussing on your next meeting.

“Leicester is what it is, it’s hard to say exactly where we went wrong – but there’s no panic stations here.

“We’re all looking forward to Ipswich, we’re geared up for it, we’re the top two teams in the league for a reason – let’s keep things cruising along.”

IPSWICH: Emil Sayfutdinov, Danny King, Adam Ellis, Tom Brennan, Sam Masters, Connor Mountain, Jordan Jenkins.
SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Anders Rowe R/R, Josh Pickering, Lewi Kerr, Chris Holder, Justin Sedgmen, Leon Flint.

SCB Referee: Graeme Hunter