Belle Vue Aces v Ipswich Witches

Report

IPSWICH sent out a major warning to the rest of the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership with a stunning 50-40 win at league champions Belle Vue in the first leg of their KO Cup tie.

The Witches put together a terrific all-round team display at the National Speedway Stadium, a venue where they have struggled in the past, and they are now strong favourites to reach the semi-finals of the competition.

All seven visitors scored between five and nine with Jason Doyle topping the list on 9+1, whilst Tom Brennan won two races on his debut – including one against home skipper Brady Kurtz – and reserve Dan Thompson was involved in key 5-1s in his final two outings.

Kurtz (12) and Dan Bewley (13+1) dominated the Aces’ scoring but the home side lost German racer Norick Blodorn after a heavy crash in Heat 8, although he was able to walk away.

Ipswich manager Ritchie Hawkins said: “Everyone contributed to this result, it was good team performance, and every rider had a win or a paid win.

“We had very few last places, we’re a very solid side and everyone can go away happy with their own performances, as well as obviously the team, it was a great win.

“Dan was brilliant, especially as he had been feeling under the weather. His progress carries on an upward spiral. I know he scored great points, but he really showed his racing brain tonight, with some brilliant moves.

“I just think overall it’s so positive for everyone we’ve not shown any rustiness, and that goes down to the preparation that the boys put in through the winter.”

Belle Vue boss Mark Lemon said: “It’s a two-legged tie so it’s not over yet. It’s a big ask to go down to Ipswich and turn that around. They are a quality team.

“It’s hard to take a loss at home on the back of having so much success at the club. It’s speedway, it’s sport, we’ve just got to bounce back.”

BELLE VUE 40: Dan Bewley 13+1, Brady Kurtz 12, Tate Zischke 5+1, Jaimon Lidsey 5, Zach Cook 3, Jake Mulford 2, Norick Blodorn 0.
IPSWICH 50: Jason Doyle 9+1, Danny King 8+2, Dan Thompson 8+2, Tom Brennan 8, Emil Sayfutdinov 7+1, Adam Ellis 5+1, Jordan Jenkins 5+1.

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Photo credit: IAN CHARLES