Ipswich team manager Paul Hurry admits the Tru7 Group Witches were left playing catch-up from the tapes as they missed out on Premiership Knockout Cup victory at Leicester on Thursday.
The Lions won the second leg of the final 50-40 to lift the trophy 95-85 on aggregate after the sides drew 45-45 in Monday’s opener at Foxhall.
Despite a brilliant battling performance from Polish star Tobiasz Musielak, who scored 13 points, while Richard Lawson added seven paid nine and reserve Kevin Juhl Pedersen impressed on six paid seven, Hurry admits sluggish starts over the two legs cost the Witches.
He said: “It’s a bit disappointing, but we were just not making starts and we were beaten by the better team. They have not been beaten at home all year.
“Tobi rode well. He was making half-decent starts. When you didn’t, it was hard to make ground up because it was fairly slick. In today’s league, you have to make starts, and that’s what let us down a little at Ipswich.
“They made starts and got going, and we didn’t. Drew Kemp made the difference again too, scoring 10 paid 11 points.
“Kevin did well. He got his head around the track, and he was really going in the last couple of rides. He got dialled in and it was good to see.
“I think the result is disappointing for everyone, but it is what it is. They all tried their best and it just didn’t quite work on the night. At the end of the day, the better team won.”
Next up for the Witches is a home match with Northampton in the Rowe Motor Oil Premiership on Thursday and there are set to be changes in the Ipswich riding order.
Tom Brennan is replaced at No.1 by Lawson, who now tops the team average list, effective from August 1.
Hurry is relieved to see the double FIM Speedway of Nations world champion get a break from the toughest role in the team. He said: “To me, it’s just ludicrous that Tom has been made to stay in that position because of the rules with the averages. Next Thursday, there will be changes in the order, so let’s see how that goes.
“I think with what we have, it will only make us stronger. I think the riders are pleased – obviously Tom is! The pairs won’t change too much. But it should work out well.”
Advance tickets for the Northampton Foxes’ clash at Foxhall are already available online HERE now.
FINAL SCORES
LEICESTER LIONS 50: 1. Ryan Douglas 12+1, 2. Dan Thompson 7+1, 3. Nick Morris 8, 4. Rider Replacement – Kyle Howarth, 5. Sam Masters 6+2, 6. Drew Kemp 10+1, 7. Joe Thompson 7.
IPSWICH TRU7 GROUP WITCHES 40: 1. Tom Brennan 3+1, 2. Danny King 5, 3. Richard Lawson 7+2, 4. Scott Nicholls 5, 5. Tobiasz Musielak 13, 6. Kevin Juhl Pedersen 6+1, 7. Jason Edwards 1+1.