WITCHES SECURE PLAY-OFF SPOT

IPSWICH became the first team to book their place in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership play-offs with a 54-36 home win over Oxford.

The Witches did not have things all their own way against a depleted Spires side, and they actually trailed on the night after five heats before hitting back with three 5-1s in the next four races.

The result means the Foxhall outfit are four points clear of Belle Vue at the top of the table with both teams having five matches remaining.

Tom Brennan top-scored with four race wins on his way to 12 points and Adam Ellis notched 10+2, whilst Oxford guest Richard Lawson scored 11+1 and Rising Star reserve Luke Killeen impressed with seven.

Ipswich manager Ritchie Hawkins said: “It wasn’t our best performance of the year, far from it, and it felt a bit of a slog at times, but we were experimenting with track conditions and overall, it didn’t work.

“We were battling with that and Oxford came and fought hard, and they will be happy with the two young lads, Luke and Mitch (McDiarmid). I thought they put in really creditable performances and that is pleasing for them.

“It was one of those nights where we had to battle but we got another three points on the board, and we move on and come back for a tougher test next week.”

Spires boss Peter Schroeck said: “We said we didn’t come here just to make the numbers up tonight and I think we achieved that.

“We had a couple of young lads in our line-up and I was pleased how both Luke and Mitch did.  

“Overall, I am pleased with our performance. This is a tough track to come to, but we gave Ipswich a battle.”

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Photo credit: JEFF HIGGOTT