Belle Vue Aces v Ipswich Witches

BELLE Vue sent out another big statement of intent with a 60-30 hammering of Premiership leaders Ipswich at the National Speedway Stadium.

The Aces closed to within two points of the Witches, with a match in hand, and continue to register impressive scores on their home circuit.

Max Fricke led the way for the Manchester side with 14 points and skipper Brady Kurtz added 11+2, whilst Jason Doyle scored nine for the visitors and new signing Rohan Tungate picked up eight.

Fricke said: “It’s great to see all the boys riding really well at home, and tonight was a significant result for us.

“I think, in some respects, our strength at home has surprised even us just recently, and to score so massively against such a strong team as Ipswich sends out a big statement.

“But things just seemed to come together for us. Everyone is hitting brilliant form and we’ve got to keep this up now that the play-offs are only a few weeks away.”

Ipswich manager Ritchie Hawkins said: “It was the worst night of the year; we were blighted by machinery problems, but when they were going, we were getting into good positions and weren’t quick enough.

“We need to make sure if we come back later in the year maybe in the play-offs it is vital that we are up to speed.

“They are very quick around here but if we do come here again it is no good saying that, we need to make sure we have got quick enough equipment to compete.”

BELLE VUE 60: Max Fricke 14, Brady Kurtz 11+2, Matej Zagar 8+1, Tom Brennan 8+1, Charles Wright 7+2, Jye Etheridge 7+2, Norick Blodorn 5+1.
IPSWICH 30: Jason Doyle 9, Rohan Tungate 8, Paul Starke 4+1, Troy Batchelor 4, Danny King 2, Aaron Summers 2, Danyon Hume 1.

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Photo credit: IAN CHARLES