LIONS STUN WITCHES WITH AWAY WIN

LEICESTER pulled off one of the shocks of the season with a 47-43 win at Ipswich as the Witches were knocked off the top of the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership table.

The Lions took full advantage of the home side’s injury problems with the absences of Jason Doyle and Dan Thompson a factor in the result – but it was still an impressive showing from the visitors on a track where other teams have struggled this year.

Reserve Drew Kemp played an important role with nine points and after Kyle Howarth came from the back to win Heat 14, Luke Becker (12+1) and Max Fricke (8+2) secured a share of the points in the last heat decider to complete a four-point victory.

Emil Sayfutdinov scored 12+1 from six rides for the Witches and skipper Danny King picked up 10+1 but was squeezed out in the final race.

Leicester achieved their result despite being without regular team manager Stewart Dickson due to illness, with co-promoter Jen Crossland stepping in as they enjoyed a terrific result.

Crossland said: “I have to say I didn’t think anybody would come here this year and beat Ipswich, so I’m super proud of all the riders, they’ve all ridden their hearts out tonight.

“It was a great team performance and they stuck in together when we needed to, and we got the job done in Heat 15 – and that’s the one I definitely couldn’t watch!

“Luke in the first few races was absolutely phenomenal, Drew at reserve as well, and I can’t fault any of them for their effort and attitude. Everything about it was amazing.”

Ipswich boss Ritchie Hawkins said: “I know we were weakened, but it was our worst home performance of the season against a very good team who rode well.

“They were better than us and deserved the victory, but we have got to look ahead at what is to come and write it off because we are still in a great position in the league, and we have a massive meeting in the Cup semi-final up next.

“It doesn’t feel like a positive right now, but we picked up the aggregate point. I know there was a lot of talk at the start of the season of us going unbeaten all season but that was never realistic in our heads, but I do feel if we could go the whole season not being beaten on aggregate that would be amazing, and it is something I would like to achieve.”

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Photo credit: JEFF HIGGOTT