Leicester Lions v Ipswich Witches

IPSWICH have sealed a place in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership play-offs with a dramatic 48-42 victory at Leicester to take them clear of rivals King’s Lynn.

The Witches were under threat after losing at home to Belle Vue last week, but they hit back to become the first visiting team to win at the Hydroscand Arena this season with a big performance at the perfect time.

Polish star Tobiasz Musielak took top billing with a 14-point haul, including two wins out of three over Leicester No.1 Ryan Douglas, who scored 16 – whilst Rising Star Jason Edwards also put in a crucial display for the Foxhall club with 7+2 including two crucial 5-1s.

The Witches are up to third in the table but could drop back to fourth depending on Sheffield’s result against Northampton on Thursday, whilst the Lions have still confirmed second place despite the defeat, having gone into the meeting without Nick Morris whose partner gave birth on the morning of the meeting.

Ipswich manager Paul Hurry said: We had a chat before the meeting and explained what we needed to do, particularly with the reserves – and they did it.

“Jason has had a couple of lulls, but he came good, and so did Kevin Juhl Pedersen. Kevin was trying very hard, and it was probably one of his best meetings. That’s how important their jobs are. The reserves can win and lose you meetings and they did brilliantly.

“Tobi was absolutely excellent. To pass Ryan Douglas around there from the back … There are not many people that can do that, but he did. I have nothing but praise for Tobi and the effort he has gone to this year.”

Leicester boss Stewart Dickson said: “Ipswich rode well, and sometimes you have to tip your hat to the opposition, but it’s still disappointing to lose a home match, especially the last one before the play-offs.

“We had the team that we had unfortunately. It was difficult to cover for Nick when you look at his score of paid-11 against Belle Vue in the tough No.5 spot, and it’s fair to say that we are not getting the points from the position that Kyle Howarth would have been in at No.6.

“That’s my job to have a look and try to get someone in who can give us a boost in that position. Obviously we will get Nick back, and we’ll know more later in the week about who we face and when.”

LEICESTER 42: Ryan Douglas 16, Dan Thompson 9+1, Sam Masters 8+2, Joe Thompson 6, Justin Sedgmen 3, Drew Kemp 0, Nick Morris R/R.
IPSWICH 48: Tobiasz Musielak 14, Richard Lawson 9, Jason Edwards 7+2, Tom Brennan 7, Scott Nicholls 5+2, Kevin Juhl Pedersen 4+1, Danny King 2+2.
Ipswich win the aggregate point

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Photo credit: MIA DURKIN