Ipswich Witches v Belle Vue Aces

Report

PREMIERSHIP champions Belle Vue blasted back to form with a 49-41 win at Ipswich for their first league points of the season.

The Aces had lost their opening three meetings in league and KO Cup but put on a superb display at Foxhall, going eight points up after five races and defending their advantage each time the Witches threatened a fightback.

All-round strength proved key for the visitors with Charles Wright and Jaimon Lidsey both scoring 9+1 and skipper Brady Kurtz adding nine, whilst Jason Dole (13+1) and Emil Sayfutdinov (12+1) again led the way for the Witches.

Wright said: “This result was exactly what we needed. It’s a fantastic win for the team, especially here because Ipswich are very strong at home, but we were stronger.

“There was a lot of communication between the boys all night, from the track walk all the way through to Heat 15 we were sharing information and set ups.

“I think that was one of the major differences compared to previous meetings, and that reflected in our strength in depth; everybody rode well from start to finish.”

Ipswich manager Ritchie Hawkins said: “We were beaten by the better team on the night, and congratulations to Belle Vue. They turned their early season form around and looked like the champions they are.

“I think for us, you could really see the inexperience we have in the side, that certainly showed today, and the wet conditions really made it even more evident.”

IPSWICH 41: Jason Doyle 13+1, Emil Sayfutdinov 12+1, Danny King 7+1, Danyon Hume 6+1, Keynan Rew 3, Joe Thompson 0, Erik Riss r/r.
BELLE VUE 49: Charles Wright 9+1, Jaimon Lidsey 9+1, Brady Kurtz 9, Dan Bewley 8, Tom Brennan 6+2, Norick Blodorn 5+2, Anders Rowe 3+1.

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Photo credit: JEFF HIGGOTT