WITCHES MAKE THEIR MOVE

IPSWICH have moved to sign Craig Cook and Paul Starke as they bid to alleviate their early-season injury crisis.

Cook and Starke replace the currently sidelined Cameron Heeps and Jordan Stewart, whilst No.1 Jason Crump remains in the team declaration although he too is currently ruled out.

The two new signings are set to make their Witches debuts in Thursday’s Premiership clash with Peterborough.

Co-promoter Chris Louis said: “We have got to this point purely because of injuries and circumstances. It was one of the worst weeks that I can remember in Ipswich Speedway’s history.

“I could never have anticipated losing three riders in a week and it has forced our hand. This season is condensed, it is coming thick and fast and it is always going to be difficult getting suitable guests, and when you are three riders down your hand is forced, you have to make changes and you have to act fast.

“I spoke at length to Craig about what happened at King’s Lynn and he absolutely convinced me that he just had a bad couple of meetings. Like a lot of riders, he had an enforced long break and he has got to get his head around that.

“Paul is a settled lad and he’s a guy that everyone gets on with, and I know he will settle straight into the team. To lose both Jordan and Cam is extremely tough but we couldn’t wait to see how long these injuries will take because they are a little bit unknown.”