Ipswich Witches v Sheffield Tigers

Report

IPSWICH got back on track in the race for the Sports Insure Premiership play-offs as they defeated Sheffield 51-39 at Foxhall.

The Witches had lost their previous three matches but hit back with victory over the Tigers, led by top two Emil Sayfutdinov (13+1) and Jason Doyle (12) with skipper Danny King returning to form on 11 and reserve Keynan Rew notching an important 10+3.

Tobaisz Musielak was outstanding for the Tigers with 15 points and was involved in a stunning Heat 13 involving Doyle, Sayfutdinov and Jack Holder – and he also just missed out to Sayfutdinov in Heat 15.

Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins said: “I’m really happy with the fightback from the team after last week. It was one of our best performances of the year and a much needed one. We are delighted with them.

“Keynan certainly made the most of his first meeting at reserve and showed great determination right from the off, it was a brilliant performance.

“There was some superb racing tonight. We have been serving up some great entertainment at Ipswich this year and it is nice for it to be shown on TV. Heat 13 is probably one of the best races you are ever going to see and a lot of it comes from our top two. When they miss the start, they do provide great entertainment.”

Tigers manager Simon Stead said: “We know we need to improve away from home. It’s difficult to find many positives out of a loss like that.

“Tobi’s performance certainly is one of them, he rode out of his skin. There’s a number of them who have done their job, but it’s black and white for all to see when you look at the scorecard where we weren’t good enough in certain areas.”

IPSWICH 51: Emil Sayfutdinov 13+1, Jason Doyle 12, Danny King 11, Keynan Rew 10+3, Danyon Hume 5, Joe Thompson 0, Ben Barker r/r.
SHEFFIELD 39: Tobiasz Musielak 15, Adam Ellis 7, Lewis Kerr 6+2, Jack Holder 6, Kyle Howarth 3, Dan Gilkes 2+1, David Bellego 0.

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Photo credit: PHIL HILTON