Ipswich Witches v Belle Vue Aces

IPSWICH overcame ROWE Motor Oil Premiership leaders Belle Vue 50-40 at Foxhall – but a dramatic late Aces comeback saw them snatch the aggregate point.

The Witches looked to be in control as they led by 18 points with three races remaining, having overturned a 12-point deficit from the initial clash between the sides in April.

But Aces skipper Brady Kurtz and guest Chris Harris had other ideas as they combined for 5-1s in Heats 13 and 15 to ensure the Manchester club left with a point.

Richard Lawson (11+1) and captain Danny King (10) hit double figures for the Witches, and Tobiasz Musielak (9) won his first three rides, whilst Kurtz (14+1) and Harris (13+2) – the latter standing in for Jason Doyle – dominated the visitors’ scoring.

King said: “I thought we put in a good performance. There were a few mistakes here and there, and losing Philip (Hellstrom-Bangs) again doesn’t help. Giving Jason (Edwards) so many rides on the bounce as a result doesn’t help either.

“I thought we would be able to get it over the line. Unfortunately, we just fell a bit short there, but it was good to get the home win.”

“I am disappointed about that last race. It’s very difficult at No.2. I know it is working for the team, but it is tough having that long break from Heat 10 to Heat 15. It’s do-able; it’s just tough.

Belle Vue boss Mark Lemon said: “We came here with rider replacement for Zach (Cook) which always puts pressure on, and then a few niggling incidents and accidents doesn’t help things.

“But we battled on knowing there was an aggregate point at stake, and we chipped away I wouldn’t say elegantly – but grittily, to fight for it to the last race.

“Thankfully Brady made the start and Bomber (Harris) did a great job to join him, and we have to say thanks to Bomber for taking the booking and riding so well.”

ROWE MOTOR OIL PREMIERSHIP R1
IPSWICH 50: Richard Lawson 11+1, Danny King 10, Tobiasz Musielak 9, Scott Nicholls 8+1, Jason Edwards 6+1, Tom Brennan 5+3, Philip Hellstrom-Bangs 1+1.
BELLE VUE 40: Brady Kurtz 14+1, Chris Harris 13+2, Peter Kildemand 5, Tate Zischke 4+1, Norick Blodorn 3, Will Cairns 1+1, Zach Cook r/r.
Belle Vue win the aggregate point

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Photo credit: JEFF HIGGOTT