WITCHES WIN DESPITE ELLIS MASTERCLASS

IPSWICH overcame several issues to defeat Northampton 47-42 despite a stunning Foxes debut for Adam Ellis.

The former Witches rider piled up an incredible 20 points in his first appearance back in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership, finishing second to Tom Brennan in his opening ride before reeling off six successive race wins.

The home side used rider replacement for the absent Richard Lawson, and were then reduced to five riders when Scott Nicholls tangled with the Foxes’ other newcomer Mitch McDiarmid in Heat 6.

Tobiasz Musielak (13+1) and Danny King (13) led the Ipswich scoring and Brennan added 9+2, whilst Northampton’s best support for the flying Ellis came from Jaimon Lidsey on nine.

Ipswich boss Paul Hurry said: “I was absolutely gutted to lose Scott so early because the track was good. It was probably the best it has been this season.

“I think with the way the track was and the way Scott started off, he would have been a big player. It wasn’t to be. Mitch McDiarmid’s footrest went into his front wheel and sent him over the handlebars.

“But on the other hand, the boys all pulled together and got the result. I am well happy to have got those two points, which are vital for us now. We need a few more.”

Northampton co-promoter Paul Hunsdon said: “It was an unbelievable Foxes debut from Adam. He produced an absolute masterclass, and after the second place in his first ride he never looked troubled after that.

“It was a credible performance and just a little disappointing that we came up short. What we need to do now is produce the goods in the run of home matches we have coming up.”

OFFICIAL REFEREE SCORECARD
Available here

Photo credit: JEFF HIGGOTT