Author Archives: Henry Chard

About Henry Chard

Digital Media Manager at Ipswich Speedway

HAWKINS: WE STEPPED IT UP ANOTHER LEVEL

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By Henry Chard

‘Tru Plant’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins says his team rose to the challenge once again as they beat East Anglian rivals King’s Lynn 49-41 at Foxhall on Thursday night in the Premiership.

The Witches led throughout the meeting, but the two sides were separated by just two points for the majority of the night. However, Ipswich finished strongly in the final two heats to win by eight points, sending their local rivals home empty-handed.

Hawkins believes that his side are performing better away from home at the moment but was once again impressed that his team saw off another tough challenge on home shale.

“It was another struggle and I think we are performing better away from home at the moment which is strange considering we have such a good home record,” said Hawkins. “Our actual performances are better away from home, but it was another win.

“You would expect King’s Lynn to come on very strong in the last third of the meeting. Richard (Lawson) and the team stepped up to another level and fought the challenge off again. Every time we are put under pressure we rise above it and that is very positive. It would be very nice to make it a bit more comfortable for ourselves though.”

The boss highlighted the mental strength of both Krystian Pieszczek and Cameron Heeps as the pair sealed the win with a 5-1 in heat 14.  

“If you look at Krystian’s performance in heat 14, that sets the precedent for mental strength. I think his ride in heat 14 showed that he is the guy and I think we can see it Cam now too. He used to buckle a bit under the pressure, but this is the first time that you look at Cam and he steps it up and you can rely on him in the pressure situation which is good.

“Richard’s (Lawson) rides in heats 13 and 15 were exceptional. At different times, different riders are stepping up and obviously the team spirit helps us a lot and gets us through.”

The manager was pleased to send their local rivals home with nothing and in the process ensure that Ipswich got the better of the Norfolk side this season.

“We don’t want teams to take a point from here, so to send King’s Lynn home without a point, the same as we did with Peterborough in our last home meeting is great. Both sides will be wondering how they didn’t take at least a point. We have only got one more meeting with King’s Lynn this season, so we have got the better of them and that is very pleasing.”

Hawkins is confident that Edward Kennett will only get better having scored three points on his home debut.

“Eddie went out and practiced after the meeting and he would have expected a bit more from himself. I am sure with a few laps around here he will get back into it and Eddie will be prove to be a very good signing.”

The Witches now have a run of three away meetings before they are back at Foxhall and with the new averages, Hawkins confirmed that the line-up will change next month.

“We already have meetings in hand, but we have a lot of away meetings coming up, I think five out of the next six are on the road, so we need to make sure we pick up plenty of points there. The team line-up is going to change when the new averages come out so that will be another challenge to work out what will work best for us.”

The boss also revealed that he hopes to have Jake Allen back from injury for the next meeting at Peterborough.

“Hopefully Jake will be back for us next month, he is planning on riding at the Championship Fours. Hopefully he will come through that well and have a couple of meetings before he returns for us and we will be extremely pleased to have him back.”

Click here for the full raceday review.

RACEDAY REVIEW: IPSWICH 49–41 KING’S LYNN

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By Henry Chard

THE SCORES…

IPSWICH 49: Cameron Heeps 13+2, Richard Lawson 11+1, Chris Harris 7+1, Krystian Pieszczek 6+2, Danny King © 6, Kyle Howarth (g) 3+2, Edward Kennett 3. Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

KING’S LYNN 41: Lewis Kerr 12, Craig Cook 12, Robert Lambert © 9, Thomas Jorgensen 5, Michael Palm Toft 3+1, Ty Proctor 0, Simon Lambert 0. Team Manager: Peter Schroeck

REFEREE: B. Horley

VENUE: Foxhall Stadium

MEETING SPONSOR…

Tru7.com – Need a roller, excavator, lighting tower, dust suppressor, digger or dumper? TRU7 is pleased to offer one of the widest ranges of plant hire and equipment available nationwide. For heavy machinery and all associated equipment, TRU7 has the best plant for the job, whatever size, wherever you need it and operated by their professional team.

PREMIERSHIP TABLE

Team Meetings Points
Belle Vue 11 23
Ipswich 9 22
Peterborough 11 17
Poole 8 15
Swindon 8 11
Wolverhampton 8 10
King’s Lynn 9 7

WHAT HAPPENED?

The ‘Tru Plant’ Witches finished strongly to beat East Anglia rivals King’s Lynn 49-41 on Thursday night at Foxhall in the Premiership.

Ipswich held a narrow lead throughout the meeting but there was little more than two points between the two sides for the majority of the night. The hosts led by two points with two to race and it looked like going to another last-heat decider. However, a 5-1 to the home team in heat 14 sealed victory and a 4-2 in the final heat of the night meant the Witches denied their rivals a consolation point, when it looked a certainty that the Stars would gain at least a point for their efforts. Once again Cameron Heeps top scored for Ipswich with 13+2 from reserve.

Robert Lambert won heat one from the gate as the points were shared to open proceedings and Lewis Kerr made it two wins from two for the visitors with a victory in the following heat ahead of Heeps and home guest Kyle Howarth, who was replacing the injured Jake Allen. The home team went ahead in heat three as Krystian Pieszczek won and Chris Harris tucked in behind him for a 5-1 to put the Suffolk side 11-7 up.

Heeps was immaculate as he won heat four ahead of Craig Cook and Danny King collected a point for a Witches 4-2 to extend their lead to six points. King’s Lynn hit back in heat five as Lambert took the win with partner Michael Palm Toft second for a 5-1 as Pieszczek pulled up at the back. Richard Lawson had to be at his best to win heat six as he held off Cook in second and home debutant Eddie Kennett was third for an Ipswich heat advantage that gave them a 20-16 lead.

Thomas Jorgensen got the better of King to win a shared heat seven. The pair were neck and neck heading into the third turn of the opening lap, but the Dane held the inside line and pushed the Witches skipper wide to take the lead and he couldn’t be caught. Kerr came in as a reserve replacement and won heat eight from the gate beating Heeps and Palm Toft took third for a Stars 4-2. Heat nine was called back with Pieszczek warned for jumping the start. Cook won the re-run in a shared heat, meaning Ipswich held a narrow 28-26 lead.

Kerr replaced Ty Proctor in heat 10 and won a shared race ahead of Lawson and Heeps, who had come in for Kennett. The three were level coming out of the second turn, but the Stars reserve emerged from the pack to win and keep the score tight. The red lights were on in heat 11 too with Howarth warned this time for moving at the start. King produced a great start in the re-run for an important win ahead of Lambert in second as Howarth held off Palm Toft for third to give the Witches a 4-2.  Kerr’s fantastic night continued as he won heat 12 but Harris and Heeps were both in the points for a 3-3 that left it finely poised with the home team 38-34 up with three to race.

The scores got even closer after heat 13 as the Stars recorded a 4-2. Cook and Lambert made the gate for the away side and it got very tight on the fourth turn of the opening lap as Lawson nipped up the inside of Lambert to take second pushing him out wide and with King on the outside of the King’s Lynn captain, it was three abreast going down the home straight. Lawson held second but a 4-2 to the Norfolk outfit reduced the home team’s lead to just two points with two to race. Heeps replaced Howarth in heat 14 and he and Pieszczek came up trumps to produce a 5-1 that sealed the win for the Witches. Heeps made the gate ahead of Jorgensen but Pieszczek stormed up the back straight on the opening lap and dive-bombed the Dane going into the third turn to take second. The Witches pair were greeted by a roar from the Foxhall crowd as they crossed the line, having ensured the Suffolk side won the East Anglian derby once again. It looked as though the away side would take a point for their efforts heading into heat 15 but the Witches duo of Lawson and Heeps had other ideas. The home pair made the gate and it looked like being a 5-1 to the hosts to end the night. However, Cook managed to split the Witches pair by producing a hard move on Heeps coming out of the second turn on the second lap, leaving the Australian with nowhere to go. It wasn’t enough for the Stars though as a 4-2 meant Ipswich won the meeting 49-41, denying their rivals any points to the joy of the home fans.

TRU7.COM RIDER OF THE NIGHT…

Lawson was chosen as rider of the night by our title sponsors Tru7.com. Lawson produced his best when he needed to, beating Cook to win in heat six and winning a high-pressure heat 15 to send the Stars home with nothing.

KEY MOMENT…

With Ipswich leading by just two points going into heat 14, it looked certain to go all the way once again, there wasn’t much to separate the two sides all night. However, Heeps and Pieszczek produced a 5-1 at a crucial time to seal the derby win with a heat to spare. Heeps was in as a reserve replacement and he went on and won whilst Pieszczek produced what is becoming a trademark dive-bomb up the inside of Jorgensen on the third turn of the opening lap to take second and that sent the home fans wild.

WHAT IT MEANS…

Ipswich maintain their 100% home record and take three points that consolidates second place in the Premiership. The Stars take nothing from the meeting and remain bottom of the table.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The ‘Tru Plant’ Witches travel to the East of England Arena & Events Centre to face the Peterborough Panthers on Monday 1st July in a Premiership fixture at 7.30pm.

AROUND THE TRACKS…

Peterborough beat Swindon 50-40 at the East of England Arena & Events Centre in the Premiership.

BEN FUND COLLECTION

We would like to thank everyone for their contributions to the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund during the interval of Thursday’s meeting. We raised a fantastic £2361.93, beating last year’s total!

Click here for reaction from team manager Ritchie Hawkins.

BLOOMFIELD PASSES AWAY

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Chris and John Louis along with everyone at Ipswich Speedway have been rocked by the tragic news of the passing of Lawrence Bloomfield this morning in Australia where he had been living. 

A family friend of the Louis family, Lawrie had been bravely battling an inoperable brain tumour for some time, he was 54.  Lawrie took up speedway and rode locally for both the Witches and Arena Essex after his father John had been beside John Louis as his mechanic for most of his career. 

We would like to send our condolences to Lawrie’s parents Kathy and John and sister Sharon, along with all of Lawrie’s many friends both here in the UK and Australia at this very difficult time.  It Is hoped that a gathering will be arranged in the near future for those that wish to share their memories of Lawrie and we will notify everyone as soon as this has been arranged.

IPSWICH V KING’S LYNN: RACEDAY PREVIEW

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By Henry Chard

WHEN AND WHERE…

The ‘Tru Plant’ Witches host the King’s Lynn Stars at Foxhall Stadium on Thursday 20th June in a Premiership clash that starts at 7.30pm.

MEETING SPONSOR…

Tru7.com – Need a roller, excavator, lighting tower, dust suppressor, digger or dumper? TRU7 is pleased to offer one of the widest ranges of plant hire and equipment available nationwide. For heavy machinery and all associated equipment, TRU7 has the best plant for the job, whatever size, wherever you need it and operated by their professional team.

THE TEAMS…

IPSWICH: 1.Richard Lawson 7.32 2. Edward Kennett 5.57 3. Chris Harris 7.08 4. Krystian Pieszczek 5.92 5. Danny King 6.51 © 6. Kyle Howarth (g) 5.35 7. Cameron Heeps 5.26. Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

KING’S LYNN: 1. Robert Lambert 8.74 © 2. Michael Palm Toft 5.65 3. Ty Proctor 6.29 4. Thomas Jorgensen 5.98 5. Craig Cook 7.19 6. Lewis Kerr 4.81 7. Simon Lambert 3.00. Team Manager: Peter Schroeck

REFEREE: B. Horley

VENUE: Foxhall Stadium

PREMIERSHIP TABLE

Team Meetings Points
Belle Vue 11 23
Ipswich 8 19
Poole 8 15
Peterborough 10 14
Swindon 7 11
Wolverhampton 8 10
King’s Lynn 8 7

TICKET OFFICE…

Tickets are available on the gate and are priced at £18 for adults, £16 for concessions (60+), £5 for students (16-17). Children 15 and under go free. Official programmes are priced at £3 and are available at the stadium. Car parking is free for all supporters.  Debit and credit card payments are accepted.

WHAT’S THE STORY?

The ‘Tru Plant’ Witches host local rivals King’s Lynn on Thursday in the third local derby of the season at Foxhall. Ipswich have come out victorious on both occasions on home shale, one a resounding victory and the other a tight contest in which the away side took a consolation point from. The two sides met on Monday at the Adrian Flux Arena in a tense East Anglian derby that went all the way to a last-heat decider and ended in a 45-45 draw. That result consolidated Ipswich’s position, second in the Premiership table going into this meeting.

Edward Kennett makes his home debut on Thursday. The new signing scored four points at the Adrian Flux Arena that included one race win. Jake Allen is absent as he continues to recover from his shoulder injury and Wolves’ Kyle Howarth guests in his place at reserve. Chris Harris will be looking to continue his fine form this week after he recorded a five-ride paid maximum at King’s Lynn on Monday whilst Cameron Heeps could once again be in for a busy night after he scored a stunning 17+1 from reserve in Monday’s draw. Ritchie Hawkins is keen for his side to continue their good form in front of the home fans and build on Monday’s result and the meeting provides another chance to claim the bragging rights over their local rivals.

FROM THE MANAGER…

‘Tru Plant’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins looks ahead to Thursday’s clash…

“King’s Lynn can come to our place and do a job. They have already been here two times this season and they have got better each time. With the top two they have they can both score a lot around Ipswich and we will have to be focused and on top form again, it is vital to get those three points.

“It has been a while since Kyle rode at reserve so really you would have to say he is a very strong reserve. To get him as a guest is very strong on paper and I am sure he will do very well on Thursday.

“I think every fan that was there on Monday went away super happy with our team and about the team they have to support this season. We hope we have a big crowd on Thursday because these boys deserve it, they are doing everything asked of them. I am sure everyone will get behind them and the fans were terrific on Monday. It was nice to send them home on a high because our support away from home is always good.”

THE STARS…

King’s Lynn have not started the season as they would have wished and currently sit bottom of the Premiership. Last year’s runners-up have raced six meetings away from home picking up a point at Foxhall on their last visit and two points at Peterborough, but they are yet to taste victory on their travels. The Stars dropped points at home on Monday to the Witches and they will be desperate to recoup those lost points at Foxhall. The visitors were thrashed in Suffolk on their first visit but improved dramatically in their second visit and they will be hoping it is third time lucky on Thursday.

Robert Lambert leads the Stars and he currently sits eleventh in the Grand Prix series having competed in all three rounds so far. The away side will be without track expert Erik Riss who is out injured with King’s Lynn having redeclared their line-up in recent weeks. They have brought in Great Britain World Cup squad member Craig Cook who also goes well at Foxhall. Simon Lambert has replaced Kasper Andersen at reserve in the other change since they last came to Foxhall.

AROUND THE TRACKS…

In the Premiership, Swindon thrashed Belle Vue 55-35 at the Abbey whilst Poole beat Wolverhampton 51-39 at Wimborne Road. King’s Lynn drew 45-45 with Ipswich at the Adrian Flux Arena.

BEN FUND COLLECTION

We will be holding our annual collection for the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund at this meeting. All donations go to a fantastic cause and last year we raised £2155.75 at Foxhall. Please give generously as we try to beat last year’s total! 

HAWKINS: A TERRIFIC TWO POINTS

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By Henry Chard

‘Tru Plant’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins was delighted with his team’s performance as they drew 45-45 away at King’s Lynn in the Premiership on Monday night.

Ipswich fought from eight points down to lead the meeting by six points, but the hosts levelled the scores again going into the final heat. Chris Harris won heat 15 to ensure the Witches drew, completing his five-ride paid maximum in the process.

Hawkins highlighted his team’s mental strength to fight back in the meeting and said it was a fun evening in the pits.

“I am really happy,” said Hawkins. “It was a very tough night; every night is tough. The teams are so even and strong in this league but to get another two points is terrific. We were not at our best, but the team showed great fight and determination. It was a lot of fun in the pits, I think the boys enjoyed it and to come back from eight down and having the tactical against us shows the mental character, we keep fighting and we want to do well. It was a really pleasing night.”

Harris scored 14+1 from five rides whilst Cameron Heeps scored 17+1 from reserve and the boss said the two were outstanding on the night.

“Chris and Cam were outstanding and everyone else contributed. Those two were the star performers and they made up for the other boys who were finding it a little bit tough, but they all kept chipping in with vital points. Those two were brilliant and there were some outstanding rides by Bomber as well.”

The Witches were again without Jake Allen due to injury with Aaron Summers scoring 1+1 in a guest appearance and Hawkins was pleased to see his side continue to collect points on the road despite the Australian’s absence.

“Jake was very good last time we were there, but it is all ifs and buts about how he would have gone tonight. Aaron had some bike issues unfortunately so that hindered him. It is another two points and that is a really good result. It was a tough meeting that went both ways and we are very happy with a draw. That consolidates a strong position in the league.”

Edward Kennett made his debut for Ipswich, scoring four points and the manager believes he will relish Thursday’s big meeting at Foxhall on Thursday against the Stars.

“Eddie did well, it is the probably the toughest track for Eddie to have his debut on. His ride to get that win was great and he fought hard for his four points and they were so valuable. I am sure he will go very well on Thursday. We need to focus on Thursday now, if we don’t win on Thursday it means tonight’s performance means nothing.”

Click here for the full raceday review.

RACEDAY REVIEW: KING’S LYNN 45-45 IPSWICH

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THE SCORES…

KING’S LYNN 45: Robert Lambert © 15+1, Craig Cook 8+3, Thomas Jorgensen 8+1, Simon Lambert 6, Ty Proctor 4+1, Michael Palm Toft 2+1, Lewis Kerr 2+1. Team Manager: Peter Schroeck

IPSWICH 45: Cameron Heeps 17+1, Chris Harris 14+1 (Paid Maximum), Krystian Pieszczek 5+1, Edward Kennett 4, Danny King © 3+1, Aaron Summers (g) 1+1, Richard Lawson 1. Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

REFEREE: C. Gay

VENUE: Adrian Flux Arena

PREMIERSHIP TABLE

Team Meetings Points
Belle Vue 11 23
Ipswich 8 19
Poole 8 15
Peterborough 10 14
Swindon 7 11
Wolverhampton 8 10
King’s Lynn 8 7

WHAT HAPPENED?

The ‘Tru Plant’ Witches claimed a 45-45 draw away at King’s Lynn in the East Anglian derby on Monday night in the Premiership.

The home side started the stronger of the two and built up an eight-point lead going into heat seven. However, the Witches turned the meeting on its head with three 5-1’s in succession to lead. Ipswich stretched their lead to six points but with the aid of a tactical substitution ride, the hosts managed to level things going into the last heat. Chris Harris completed his paid maximum by winning heat 15 to secure the draw as Cameron Heeps ended the night with a score of 17+1.

It was the worst possible start for Danny King in heat one as he touched the tapes and was excluded from the re-run with Heeps replacing him. The home team raced to a 5-1 in the re-run thanks to Robert Lambert and Michael Palm Toft. Heeps won heat two as the points were shared. Ty Proctor made the start for the home side in heat three, but he was passed by Harris and the points were shared leaving the hosts 11-7 up.

Heeps had started the evening well and he won again in heat four in another shared heat. The Stars extended their lead in heat five with another 5-1 thanks to Thomas Jorgensen and Proctor. Heat six was stopped as Palm Toft fell on the second lap and was excluded with partner Lambert at the front. That didn’t bother the King’s Lynn number one though as he won the re-run, meaning the Stars held a 22-14 lead.

Lewis Kerr was the leader in heat seven but both Edward Kennett and Harris flew past the home rider on the second lap and went on to hit the first maximum of the night for the Witches. King fell on the first turn of heat eight but all four were called back for the re-run. The Witches were level after the re-run as Heeps and King raced to another 5-1 for the away side. Heeps replaced Aaron Summers in heat nine and it was stopped as Proctor fell on the opening lap with the Witches on another 5-1 and he was excluded from the re-run as he failed to clear the track. That didn’t matter though as Heeps and Krystian Pieszczek did the business in the re-run for yet another 5-1 that gave the Witches a 29-25 lead.

The away side extended that lead in heat 10 as Harris beat Lambert and Kennett picked up a point on the line for a 4-2 to the Witches. Going six up allowed the home team to use a tactical substitution and Lambert came in for Kerr in heat 11. Lambert duly won and was followed home by Craig Cook for a 5-1 to the Stars. Heeps came in for Summers in heat 12 but it was called back with Proctor warned for moving at the start. Nerves were evident as the second attempt was also called back with Harris this time given a warning. It was worth the wait though as Harris and Heeps raced to a 5-1 to put the away side 39-33 ahead with three to race.

Summers replaced Lawson in heat 13 but it was a 5-1 to the hosts that kept them in the hunt for the win being just two points behind with two to race. Jorgensen won heat 14 ahead of Heeps as Kerr picked up a point to level the scores going into the final heat. Harris produced a fantastic ride in heat 15 to win and complete his paid maximum meaning a 45-45 draw.

RIDER OF THE NIGHT…

A tough one to call as the challenge from the Witches was led in the main by two riders. Harris was at his sublime best as he reeled off a paid maximum from five rides whilst Heeps once again proved to be the key at reserve as he racked up a huge score of 17+1.

KEY MOMENT…

The meeting went all the way to heat 15 with the home side favourites to win it on their own track and with their top two riders out in Lambert and Cook. However, Harris had other ideas as he held his nerve to produce a fantastic ride to beat both Stars riders and make sure his side drew on the night.

WHAT IT MEANS…

The Witches take two points for this away draw that consolidates second place in the table. The Stars take a point, but it is not enough to move them off the bottom of the table.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The ‘Tru Plant’ Witches host the King’s Lynn Stars at Foxhall on Thursday 20th June in a Premiership fixture at 7.30pm.

AROUND THE TRACKS…

In the Premiership, Swindon thrashed Belle Vue 55-35 at the Abbey whilst Poole beat Wolverhampton 51-39 at Wimborne Road.

Click here for reaction from team manager Ritchie Hawkins.

BEN FUND COLLECTION ON THURSDAY

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We will be holding our annual collection for the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund at Thursday’s home meeting against King’s Lynn.

All donations go to a fantastic cause and last year we raised £2155.75 at Foxhall. Please give generously as we try to beat last year’s total!

KING’S LYNN V IPSWICH: RACEDAY PREVIEW

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By Henry Chard

WHEN AND WHERE…

The ‘Tru Plant’ Witches travel to Norfolk to face the King’s Lynn Stars at the Adrian Flux Arena on Monday 17th June in a Premiership clash that starts at 7.30pm.

THE TEAMS…

KING’S LYNN: 1. Robert Lambert 8.74 © 2. Michael Palm Toft 5.65 3. Ty Proctor 6.29 4. Thomas Jorgensen 5.98 5. Craig Cook 7.19 6. Lewis Kerr 4.81 7. Simon Lambert 3.00. Team Manager: Peter Schroeck

IPSWICH: 1.Richard Lawson 7.32 2. Danny King 6.51 © 3. Chris Harris 7.08 4. Edward Kennett 5.57 5. Krystian Pieszczek 5.92 6. Aaron Summers (g) 5.35 7. Cameron Heeps 5.26. Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

REFEREE: C. Gay

VENUE: Adrian Flux Arena

PREMIERSHIP TABLE

Team Meetings Points
Belle Vue 10 23
Ipswich 7 17
Peterborough 10 14
Poole 7 12
Wolverhampton 7 10
Swindon 6 8
King’s Lynn 7 6

WHAT’S THE STORY?

The ‘Tru Plant’ Witches face their local rivals King’s Lynn once again on Monday in the Premiership in the start of another week of derbies. Ipswich travel to Norfolk on Monday before hosting the Stars at Foxhall on Thursday. The Witches have already been to the Adrian Flux Arena this season in the Supporters Cup as they lost 52-38 and they will be looking for an improved performance this time around as they look to pick up more points on their travels in the league and continue their strong start to 2019. Ipswich will be keen to get out on track after last Thursday’s home meeting with Swindon was rained-off.

The Witches welcome back Krystian Piesczcek to the side for Monday’s trip. The Polish rider missed the last meeting for his British club due to injury, but he is fit again and back in the Witches side for derby day. Jake Allen remains out injured as he continues to recover from his shoulder injury and Aaron Summers will guest in his place at number seven. Eddie Kennett makes his debut for the club having come in for David Bellego. With plenty of travelling fans expected to make the trip once again, the Witches will be keen to send them home happy with an away victory over their rivals.

FROM THE MANAGER…

‘Tru Plant’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins looks ahead to Monday’s clash…

“It is a big meeting on Monday against King’s Lynn and we are going there looking to win. I think it’s an opportunity for us to get another away win and they are our local rivals, so we go there looking for the victory and Jake was the only person happy to see last Thursday called off!

“It will be good to have Krystian back and he feels fine after riding in Poland. It was tough to cover him with rider replacement, so it is good to have him back. I am looking forward to Eddie coming in and I think he will fit in very quickly. We all know him well and he knows everyone. When you look at us on paper, we are a very strong team.

“Aaron started the season very strongly, he got that late opportunity with Peterborough and took it with both hands and has done extremely well. You know what you are getting with him, he is a solid, reliable rider and I expect him to do a good job for us.

“We do not want to rush Jake, it is one of them where you have to take the expert’s advice and stick with it. We will give him a couple more weeks and hopefully he will feel stronger than he did when he came back the other week and tried to race for us. I think he will come back a lot stronger for it and resting is the best thing to do.

“King’s Lynn have changed their team since we last raced them. Erik Riss was doing a great job riding like a number one for them in a way and he was one of the most in-form riders in the league. They needed to replace him due to injury and I don’t know if it makes them any stronger or not but bringing Cookie (Craig Cook) in was the best option. I think it is an opportunity for us to go there and win when you look at the teams on paper and we are in good form and we want the win.

THE STARS…

King’s Lynn currently sit bottom of the table after seven meetings, although only one has been on home shale. The hosts know they are playing catch up already in the Premiership and that wins at home will be crucial if they are to climb the table. They have won their sole league fixture at home so far this season but have already been defeated twice in Norfolk in the Premiership Shield and Supporters Cup.

Last year’s runners-up have already shuffled the pack this season, making two changes to their line-up. Great Britain World Cup squad member Craig Cook replaced the injured Erik Riss and Simon Lambert has come in for Kasper Andersen. Robert Lambert leads their side and he has been competing in the Grand Prix series this season as a replacement for Greg Hancock and is currently ninth in the standings.

ON THE ROAD…

King’s Lynn ride in blue kevlars with white and gold trim and race at the Adrian Flux Arena. The track measures at 342 metres with the track record belonging to Nicki Pedersen who set a time of 57.60 in September of 2002. An adult ticket costs £18, concessions £16, young adults (aged 16-17) £5 and children under the age of 16 go free. Official programmes cost £3. Facilities include free floodlit parking, seated grandstand, covered standing grandstand, restaurant, fully stocked bar and function room, four licenced bar outlets, merchandise stands, toilets and a first aid room. For travel information head here.

For more information about the club head to King’s Lynn’s official website.

AROUND THE TRACKS…

Belle Vue thrashed Peterborough 62-28 at the National Speedway Stadium on Thursday in the Premiership.