The Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches have signed Rohan Tungate as an injury replacement for Erik Riss, subject to BSPL approval.
It has been a difficult couple of weeks for the club with the German suffering a broken left ankle whilst riding for Landshut meaning he faces a period of four to six weeks on the sidelines. Tungate’s move is part of a double change with Aaron Summers coming in for the suspended Ben Barker.
The club are currently top of the Premiership and look set for the play-offs with the management having to act quickly to ensure they have a full team for the run-in.
Tungate is a club asset and has plenty of Foxhall experience having rode for the club from 2012 to 2015. The former Australian champion will make his first appearance since re-signing away at Belle Vue on Monday.
Team manager Ritchie Hawkins explained why the club has decided to bring Tungate back to Foxhall.
“Erik is going to be out for a month at least and that takes us to the end of the league season and that is quite a while,” said Hawkins. “We don’t want to be running R/R for an extended period of time, so the opportunity was there, and Rohan was available. It keeps the team very strong bringing him in and he knows the club very well being our asset. We needed to make that work, without Erik’s injury things might have been different and we certainly were not looking to change the team before then but that’s speedway. We are dealing with this 75% of meetings rule and we needed to get it sorted.
“We were at the club racing together and since he has left Ipswich he has certainly improved as a rider. He is living and is based in Poland now and is doing very well and he has a shot at getting into the Grand Prix at Glasgow later on this season. He did very well at Peterborough last time he was over here, and he is someone who knows Ipswich well. After speaking with him, he was very keen to be part of the club again, he is very good mates with Troy (Batchelor) and Doyley (Jason Doyle) and I’m sure he will want to link-up with them again. I think he keeps the top end of our team very strong.”
The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches produced a late rally to secure a terrific win on the road against East Anglian rivals King’s Lynn on Thursday night in the Premiership.
It was somewhat of a depleted side that travelled to Norfolk with Erik Riss missing through injury and Ben Barker suspended whilst the hosts were without Lewis Kerr and Jack Thomas in the reserve positions. Ipswich edged ahead early on, but the Stars turned it around and built a narrow four-point lead which they held with three to race. However, the Witches turned the meeting on its head with two maximum heat advantages in succession leaving them four points up going into the final race. Victory was secured with a shared heat 15 as Ritchie Hawkins’ men extended their lead at the top of the table. Skipper Danny King top scored with 14.
Doyle won a shared heat one before Danyon Hume was warned for moving at the start of heat two. Paul Starke won the re-run with Hume in third for a heat advantage to the visitors. King was next to receive a warning for moving at the start of heat three, but it didn’t affect him as he won the re-run in a 3-3. Starke led the majority of heat four before he was passed by Richard Lawson as the hosts won their first race of the night and the points were shared again, leaving the Witches two up.
Nicolai Klindt got his first heat win in King’s Lynn colours as he defeated Doyle in heat five and Richie Worrall picked up third for a 4-2 to the Stars that levelled the meeting. They then went ahead in heat six as Josh Pickering and Thomas Jorgensen raced to a 5-1. King got his second win of the night in a shared heat seven before the away side clawed two points back in heat eight as Troy Batchelor took victory with Hume third for a 2-4 that made it 25-23 to the home side.
Batchelor was back out again in heat nine and was first across the line in a 3-3. King was looking in sublime form and won again in heat 10 in another shared heat. Lawson won heat 11 as Doyle had to be patient before passing Jason Edwards which resulted in a 4-2 to the hosts. King made it four wins out of four in heat 12 but Starke couldn’t hold onto third as he was passed by Kasper Andersen late on, meaning another 3-3 which made it 38-34 with three to race.
It was all level after heat 13 as Doyle won and Batchelor held off Pickering for a huge maximum to the Suffolk side. The home fans were stunned in heat 14 as Hume and Starke came up with the goods for another 1-5 that put them four ahead going into the last heat. Klindt won the final race of the night for King’s Lynn but with King and Doyle both in the points it secured another win on Norfolk soil to the delight of the travelling fans.
REACTION FROM THE BOSS
Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins reflects on Thursday’s victory at King’s Lynn.
“It was a great win at King’s Lynn, we were missing a couple of riders, but the boys stepped it up and pulled it out of the bag when we needed them. At the end of the meeting, we were strong again and it shows what the boys are about. We have seen it so many times this year and to win again at King’s Lynn, we are delighted to see it.
“I was delighted to see Danny riding like that, he was a joy to watch. Four cracking starts and four wins during the heats and he was superb, and it is so nice to see him hit form again. It is at the right time for us for the rest of the season if he can carry this improvement on.
“Paul started the meeting well in his first couple of rides then struggled but he put it together in heat 14 which was vital. Danyon and Anders improved every race during the meeting, Danyon’s ride in heat 14 was superb. He has been very good here when we have seen him and in heat 14, he certainly showed his liking for this place.
“That strengthens our position at the top of the league and massively increases the gap between us and Lynn in fifth. They have got serious work to do now over the rest of the season if they want to try and sneak into fourth. We had a big chat before the meeting tonight and we are focused a little bit on being top of the league at the end of the season because that could help us in the play-offs.”
RIDER OF THE NIGHT
Skipper King was in superb form and looking back to his best, dropping just one point all night and top scoring with 14 points.
WHAT IT MEANS
Ipswich pick up three points to extend their lead at the top to five points whilst King’s Lynn stay fifth and have it all to do if they are to make the top four.
UP NEXT
The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches travel to face the Belle Vue Aces at the National Speedway Stadium on Monday 8th August in a Premiership fixture. Tickets can be purchased on the gate and in advance here.
All the details ahead of our Premiership fixture with King’s Lynn.
WHEN & WHERE
The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches travel to Norfolk to face the King’s Lynn Stars at the Adrian Flux Arena on Thursday 4th August in a Premiership fixture that starts at 7.30pm.
Tickets can be purchased online here and are available on the gate.
THE STORY
The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches travel to Norfolk on Thursday night for the East Anglian derby against local rivals King’s Lynn in the Premiership. Ipswich have not been on track since their big win over Sheffield at Foxhall two weeks ago which saw them strengthen their position at the top of the table. The Suffolk side have already tasted victory at the Adrian Flux Arena this season winning 47-43 on their last visit as Jason Doyle roared to a 15-point maximum.
The away side are somewhat depleted for this fixture with Erik Riss set for a spell on the sidelines after he suffered a broken left ankle in a crash whilst riding for Landshut. The German had surgery last Thursday and will be unavailable for an estimated four to six weeks. Rider replacement will be used at number two in his absence. Ben Barker is also missing after his SCB registration was suspended after he provided a ‘Non Negative’ result following a random Drug and Alcohol test held at Oxford Speedway last Wednesday. His registration will remain suspended until further results have been confirmed from laboratory results expected later this week when the club will comment further on the matter. Anders Rowe returns to the side to ride in Barker’s place at number four, his first appearance for the club since the first Premiership fixture of the season in May. Paul Starke is back in the team after his recent thumb injury and rides at reserve.
FROM THE BOSS
Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins gives us his pre-match thoughts…
“We go to King’s Lynn on Thursday missing Erik. His injury is a big disappointment because he has been a big part of the side this year and I could see he was improving and getting into the season. The injury has come at a bad time for him, and the club and we are really disappointed to lose him. As things stand, Ben is suspended and more will become apparent with that in the coming days.
“It gives us the opportunity to bring Anders in and I know there has been lots of different talk and rumours about him. For us at Ipswich, he has always been available for selection, but Danyon got his shot and came into the side, and he has been brilliant and nailed a place down. It gives Anders an opportunity to show us what he is all about again and he has been in Poland as I’m sure a lot of people know, and he has done really well. He has chosen his own path to go out there and spend a lot of time there and I spoke to him on the phone, and he seems to be back to his old self, and I know he will be very keen to do well and will want his place back. I have worked closely with Anders over the last 18 months, and it is pleasing to give him a shot and see what he has got.
“Erik had a successful operation which showed no ligament damage, but he will still be out for four to six weeks which takes us to the play-offs. We are definitely looking at options at what we can do regarding that and that may or may not include Ben’s situation which we should know more about imminently. We have only got until the Belle Vue meeting where we are allowed to make changes, so we have got to act quickly. Me and Chris (Louis) have spent the last week constantly on the phone talking about it and there are plans in place for whatever eventuality.”
THE STARS
After a bright start to 2022, King’s Lynn have tailed off and have it all to do to make the end of season play-offs. The Stars qualified for the League Cup final early on in the season but in the Premiership, they sit fifth and 11 points off the play-off places with nine fixtures remaining. The Norfolk side have been defeated twice on home shale already this season and know that any more slip-ups would almost end any hopes of reaching the top four.
The Stars have signed Nicolai Klindt to fill the gap left by Niels-Kristian Iversen’s departure and he will make his debut in Thursday’s fixture, riding at number four. Rising Star Jack Thomas was due to return to the side after his injury but has suffered a setback meaning Jason Edwards keeps his spot whilst Kasper Andersen guests for the injured Lewis Kerr at number six.
AWAY DAYS
An adult ticket costs £20, concessions (over 65) and students £18 and children (ages 12-17) £5. 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.
QUALIFYING SCORES: Tom Brennan 8, Chris Harris 8, Dan Bewley 8, Danny King 7, Scott Nicholls 7, Kyle Howarth 6, Steve Worrall 5, Lewis Kerr 5, Charles Wright 5, Richard Lawson 4, Richie Worrall 3, Leon Flint 2, Connor Mountain 1, Paul Starke 1, Adam Ellis 1, Jack Smith (res) 1, Danyon Hume 0.
REFEREE: W. Jarvis
THE STORY
The 2022 British Final was abandoned after 12 heats due to bad weather in Manchester with no result declared on Monday night.
12 heats of racing were completed at the National Speedway Stadium before the action was stopped as the rain came hammering down making the track unfit to ride. After a lengthy delay, a decision was made to abandon the meeting without a result so that it can be restaged at a later date. 2021 champion Adam Ellis has been nominated for the wild card for the British Grand Prix at Cardiff. At the time of the stoppage Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches skipper Danny King was well placed to have a good night whilst Paul Starke and Danyon Hume struggled to get amongst the points.
Dan Bewley was a clear winner in heat two and Starke held second but was passed by Kyle Howarth at the end of the third lap with Hume at the back. Belle Vue’s Tom Brennan had the home fans on their feet as he roared to victory in heat four ahead of Scott Nicholls with King third and reigning champion Ellis at the back.
King made the start in heat five and held off pressure from Charles Wright to take his first heat win of the evening. 2021 champion Ellis was having a nightmare start to the evening and was excluded from heat seven for not making the two-minute time allowance after mechanical issues. Harris took his second win of the evening in the re-run as Starke was relegated to the back by Jack Smith who had replaced Ellis. Steve Worrall held off Brennan to take the chequered flag in heat eight with Hume at the back.
The rain had started to fall in Manchester and by heat 11 conditions were getting tricky as Nicholls just beat Harris to the line with Hume at the back. King added another three points to his tally with victory in heat 12 with Starke failing to finish as the rain continued to come down.
The action was halted after heat 12 with the rainfall getting harder and after a lengthy wait and several meetings in the pits with officials and riders a decision was taken to abandon the meeting.
REACTION FROM THE BOSS
Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins reflects on Monday’s British Final.
“The British Final didn’t go to plan and the rain came at the wrong time. If they had got another set of races done, you might have ended up with a clear winner. Danny got himself in a good position in the meeting and I’m sure when it is re-run, whenever that may be, he will be looking to do the same again.
“It was a massive experience for Danyon, I think he had a tough gate draw and that didn’t help matters for him but I’m sure he will have learnt a lot anyway. Paul had a tough night, I was only watching on the TV but in one heat, I think he had machinery problems and I saw him swap bikes at one point. It won’t have been his happiest night but he will get another shot in the re-run.”
UP NEXT
The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches travel to Norfolk to face the King’s Lynn Stars at the Adrian Flux Arena on Thursday 4th August in a Premiership fixture. Tickets can be purchased here.
The 2022 British Final takes place at the National Speedway Stadium on Monday 1st August in an individual fixture that starts at 7.30pm, live on Eurosport.
LINE-UP
1. Connor Mountain 2. Leon Flint 3. Chris Harris 4. Steve Worrall 5. Kyle Howarth 6. Dan Bewley 7. Paul Starke8. Danyon Hume 9. Charles Wright 10. Lewis Kerr 11. Richard Lawson 12. Richie Worrall 13.Danny King 14. Scott Nicholls 15. Adam Ellis 16. Tom Brennan. Reserves: 17. Jack Smith 18. Harry McGurk
REFEREE: W. Jarvis
TICKETS
Tickets are available to buy online and on the gate.
THE STORY
The Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches are represented at Monday’s British Final by Danny King, Paul Starke and Danyon Hume. King won the title at the National Speedway Stadium back in 2016 and is determined to become Britain’s number one for a second time in his career having come close in 2019 when he finished second. Starke has recently returned to racing following his thumb injury and has plenty of experience in the event with this year’s appearance his sixth in total. His best performance was also in 2016 where he scored 10 points, finishing seventh in the standings and he is a rider who is capable of a good performance in Manchester.
Ben Barker was due to be in the line-up, but his SCB registration has been suspended after he provided a ‘Non Negative’ result following a random Drug and Alcohol test held at Oxford Speedway last Wednesday. His registration will remain suspended until further results have been confirmed from laboratory results expected later next week when the club will comment further on the matter. Barker’s place is taken by another Witch in Danyon Hume who will be making his debut in the event. Hume started the season as the club’s number eight, but his impressive performances have seen him cement his place in the team and he will be aiming to cause a few upsets on the night.
Not only will the winner of the event have the glory of being British champion, but they will also head to Cardiff as the Wild Card for the British Grand Prix on August 13. In the event that current Grand Prix rider Dan Bewley wins the meeting, then the second placed rider will head to Wales.
We wish all three ‘Tru Mix’ Witches the best and hope to welcome another British champion back to Suffolk.
FROM THE BOSS
Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Richie Hawkins gives his pre-match thoughts…
“Over recent years we have had quite a lot of representation in the British Final which is always a good thing. I guess Danny will be one of the favourites for the title again. He has got into some good form so I think he will go there with high hopes, and I know he is desperate to win another British title. He came close a couple of years ago so I know he will go there with big ambitions of getting another win under his belt. There is no reason why he can’t do it.
“Paul is back racing this week and it is great to see him back and from having conversations with him he is building back up that race sharpness and fitness. He can go well at Belle Vue, and I’ve seen him do well before there, I’m sure he will be looking to have a great meeting. It might come a little too soon for him after his injury, but he will want to put on a great show around there.
“Danyon has got into the meeting; he was originally down as first reserve and when we heard that myself and Chris (Louis) could see Danyon in the meeting, so we made sure he was ready for it. I know he is mega excited and is buzzing that he is in a British Final. I think it is well deserved after the improvement he has shown in the last couple of years, he has been terrific and I’m sure he will mix it up with everybody and he could be a spoiler. It will be great for his confidence and I’m sure he will entertain as he always does.
“There is the added incentive of getting to Cardiff, when Danny won that was a brilliant occasion. We all travelled down and loads of supporters went and backed him. He put in a great show, and I know it is a buzz he wants to feel again. For all the boys in the meeting it is an added incentive if you win, or come second if Dan Bewley wins it, you get to go to Cardiff which is an amazing experience for any speedway rider.”
THE CONTENDERS
Adam Ellis will be looking to retain the crown he won in 2021 and book a place at Cardiff that he missed out on last year with the Grand Prix round not taking place on these shores. Current Grand Prix rider Bewley is a hot favourite for many to win his first British crown at his former home track and you would expect he will be a hard man to beat on the night. Chris Harris is enjoying a terrific season and will be keen to add to his three titles. Charles Wright is a former champion and a current Belle Vue rider, and he and current British U21 champion Tom Brennan will enjoy the support of their home fans at the National Speedway Stadium. Scott Nicholls is also a former winner of the event and will look to upset the odds and add to his collection.
AWAY DAYS
Ticket prices can be found here. For more information about your visit to the National Speedway Stadium, head here.
‘Tru Mix’ Witches rider Erik Riss suffered a broken left ankle in a crash whilst riding for Landshut at the weekend. The German will have surgery on Thursday and the prognosis won’t be fully known until then.
Tru Mix – TRU7 is Ipswich’s biggest supplier of concrete. They offer a professional service with up to 8m drum ready mix or volumetric delivery on commercial and domestic loads, supplied from their state-of-the-art batching plant in Kesgrave. Dry and lean mix available to collect.
Bentley Auto & Tyre Centre Ltd – At Bentley Auto & Tyre Centre, they offer a huge range of services for all kinds of makes and models and as one of the top tyre garages they can service local areas like Bentley, Colchester, Brightlingsea, Frinton and other local villages.
The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches strengthened their position at the top of the Premiership with a strong display against Sheffield at Foxhall on Thursday.
Ipswich went into the meeting without the injured Paul Starke and Ben Barker with rider replacement in operation at two and Tom Brennan in as a guest for Barker whilst Sheffield were using rider replacement for Tobiasz Musielak. There was little to separate the two sides in the first half of the meeting with the Witches holding a two-point lead after eight races, but the hosts went up a gear after that and ran out comfortable winners on the night. Jason Doyle top scored with a 15-point maximum.
Doyle won a shared heat one to get things started and the hosts recorded the first heat advantage in heat two as Erik Riss won ahead of Justin Sedgmen with Danyon Hume holding third. Skipper Danny King beat Adam Ellis in heat three as Brennan picked up another point for a 4-2 to the home side. Sedgmen came in as a reserve switch in heat four and duly won as Troy Batchelor had to work hard to get the better of Kyle Howarth for second, meaning a first heat advantage of the night to the visitors making it 13-11 after four heats.
King took another victory in heat five ahead of Jack Holder as guest Brennan did excellently to get into third on the final lap for another Witches 4-2. Heat six had the home fans on their feet as Doyle made his way past both Sedgmen and Ellis in fine style to prevent a Sheffield maximum as the heat ended in a 3-3. Heat seven started badly for the Suffolk side as Batchelor touched the tapes and was excluded with Hume coming in as a replacement. Ellis won the re-run ahead of Riss as Craig Cook pinched a point from Hume on the line for a 2-4 to the away side. Howarth won a shared heat eight leaving the tie finely poised at 25-23 to Ipswich.
King was enjoying arguably one his best meeting of the season so far and won again in heat nine as Cook got the better of Brennan to split the home pairing and limit the hosts to a 4-2. However, there was breathing space for the Witches after heat 10 as Doyle and Batchelor raced to a maximum to give the hosts an eight-point lead. Holder led heat 11 but suffered bike problems which allowed Riss and Batchelor through for a 5-1 and put Ipswich on the brink of victory. Sedgmen won heat 12 for the Tigers as Ellis relegated King to the back for a 2-4 to the away side, leaving them 10 points down.
Doyle and Batchelor teamed up again for a 5-1 in heat 13 that sealed another victory for Ipswich on home shale. Sheffield boss Simon Stead brought in Ellis as a tactical substitute in heat 14 as they tried to salvage a consolation point from their trip, but it was to no avail as Brennan and Riss hit another maximum. Doyle completed his 15-point maximum with a win in heat 15 but Batchelor couldn’t stay amongst the points meaning a shared heat ended what was a hugely successful evening’s work for Ipswich.
REACTION FROM THE BOSS
Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins reflects on Thursday’s win over Sheffield.
“I am delighted, I thought we were very good tonight as a whole team. I was really pleased with everyone. I felt we started the meeting well and I felt we were in control even though the score was close. Then we stepped it up another gear in the last six heats and I am delighted with the result against a very strong team. It’s brilliant, what a position we are in at the moment, and it is a great position to be in.
“It wasn’t perfect, Danyon has had better nights and struggled with his setup to start with and then got himself sorted so I think he will go away having learnt a lot tonight. It would be nice to run as a full team, but I’ve got to say Tom Brennan was superb, his effort was first class for a guest rider, and he was a delight to have in the side. A massive thank you to him for coming in because he did a brilliant job.
“Batch’s confidence is up at the moment which is a joy for us to see and we are delighted with his form. I was really pleased to see Danny getting back to his best, he had three wins tonight which was great. Doyley was superb as he has been all season, so I’m really happy.
“We have got a couple of weeks off as a team now and there are pros and cons to that. We have got a few injuries but we are in a great run of form so it would be nice to be riding together as a team before then. The boys will all still be riding in other leagues and I’m sure once we get back together as a team at King’s Lynn we’ll be back to the same atmosphere as we have had tonight.
TRU MIX & BENTLEY AUTO AND TYRE CENTRE LTD RIDERS OF THE NIGHT
Maximum man Doyle was Bentley Auto And Tyre Centre’s choice whilst Tru Mix picked Riss after he scored 12+1 from reserve.
WHAT IT MEANS
Ipswich go five points clear at the top of the table with this victory whilst Sheffield stay third after going home empty-handed.
UP NEXT
‘Tru Mix’ Witches riders Danny King, Ben Barker, Paul Starke and Danyon Hume head to Manchester for the British Final at the National Speedway Stadium on Monday 1st August. Tickets can be purchased here.
All the details ahead of our Premiership fixture with Sheffield.
WHEN & WHERE
The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches host the Sheffield Tigers at Foxhall Stadium on Thursday 21st July in a Premiership fixture that starts at 7.30pm.
MEETING SPONSORS
Tru Mix – TRU7 is Ipswich’s biggest supplier of concrete. They offer a professional service with up to 8m drum ready mix or volumetric delivery on commercial and domestic loads, supplied from their state-of-the-art batching plant in Kesgrave. Dry and lean mix available to collect.
Bentley Auto & Tyre Centre Ltd – At Bentley Auto & Tyre Centre, they offer a huge range of services for all kinds of makes and models and as one of the top tyre garages they can service local areas like Bentley, Colchester, Brightlingsea, Frinton and other local villages.
Tickets are available to buy on the gate and in advance online (until 7pm on raceday) and are priced at £20 for adults and £18 for concessions (65+). Children 16 and under go free. Official programmes are priced at £3 and are available at the stadium. Car parking is free for all supporters. Cash, debit and credit card payments are accepted on the night. Turnstiles open at 6.40pm.
THE STORY
The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches take on the Sheffield Tigers at Foxhall Stadium on Thursday evening as they aim to stay top of the Premiership table. Ipswich went back to the top of the standings last Thursday with their biggest win of the season at Foxhall against Belle Vue. On Monday, the Suffolk side then made it three wins on the bounce in the Pairs competition at Wolverhampton to consolidate their position at the top of the standings. Thursday’s opponents are the only side to win at Foxhall in the league so far this year and the Witches know they will need to carry on their good form and be at their best to record victory.
The hosts will once again be without Paul Starke for the fixture. Starke suffered thumb ligament damage in a crash at Sheffield last month and rider replacement will be in operation at number two but Starke intends to return to action next week. Ipswich will also be without Ben Barker who aggravated his shoulder injury on Tuesday night at Plymouth and Tom Brennan will guest in his place at number four. Barker is having further tests and is receiving physio on the injury.
FROM THE BOSS
Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins gives us his pre-match thoughts…
“We were hoping on Thursday that Starkey would be back, and it would have delighted us all if we could have fielded a full team, but we certainly don’t want to rush him back especially when we have got a break after Thursday as a team. It would be lovely to have a full and fit one to seven, but we want our one to seven to be fit not half fit.
“We have gone with the same riding order as we did last week. We are often changing it about not just for experimental reasons, but rider’s fitness and injuries comes into the thinking too. I wouldn’t say there is a preferred order, we have got a few that will work and a few combinations that will be very good. I’m feeling quite pleased that we have that variety if we need it and next month the riding order will change again with Erik going back into the team and that is something I will have to review again.
“Sheffield bring a very strong side but we have got a strong side as well. Yes, they are a very good team, but I don’t think there is anyone in the league that we can’t compete with and beat. I fully believe if we perform how we are capable of then we can win.”
THE TIGERS
Sheffield were many people’s favourites for the title in 2022 and the first half of the season suggests they will certainly be contenders in the play-offs. The Tigers are currently third in the table with meetings in hand on the top two and a win at Foxhall would take them top. Sheffield have a 100% record at home and have picked up two wins on the road at Ipswich and King’s Lynn.
It’s hard to find a weakness in the line-up with strength from top to bottom with Grand Prix rider Jack Holder at number one and British champion Adam Ellis at three. Rider replacement will be used at number five for the injured Tobiasz Musielak after he crashed in Poland last week. Craig Cook often goes well at Foxhall and is joined by captain Kyle Howarth in the engine room of the side. Justin Sedgmen was a recent signing to add further strength to the bottom end of the side and he is at reserve with Rising Star Connor Mountain.
BELLE VUE 31: Max Fricke 20, Brady Kurtz 9, Tom Brennan (RS) 2. Team Manager: Mark Lemon
IPSWICH 27: Jason Doyle 18, Troy Batchelor 9, Danyon Hume (RS) 0. Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins
WOLVES 24: Sam Masters 16, Nick Morris 8, Joe Thompson (RS) 0. Team Manager: Peter Adams
KING’S LYNN 21: Josh Pickering 14, Richard Lawson 7, Jason Edwards (RS) 0. Team Manager: Alex Brady
PETERBOROUGH 20: Chris Harris 13, Scott Nicholls 7, Jordan Jenkins (RS) 0. Team Manager: Rob Lyon
SHEFFIELD 12: Adam Ellis 8, Jack Holder 2, Connor Mountain (RS) 2. Team Manager: Simon Stead
SEMI-FINAL: Doyle, Masters, Hume, Morris (excluded) – 6-3 to Ipswich
FINAL: Doyle, Batchelor, Fricke, Kurtz – 7-2 to Ipswich
REFEREE: W. Jarvis
PREMIERSHIP PAIRS TABLE
Team
Points
Ipswich
38
King’s Lynn
26
Sheffield
24
Belle Vue
22
Wolverhampton
10
Peterborough
8
THE STORY
The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches pairing of Jason Doyle and Troy Batchelor won Round 4 of the Premiership Pairs at Wolverhampton on Monday night.
Ipswich had won the last two rounds of the competition and led the way heading to the West Midlands. Belle Vue topped the qualifying scores, but Doyle and Batchelor were working well together once again, and they finished second to setup a clash against third placed Wolves in the semi-final. Ipswich then quietened the home crowd as they saw off Wolverhampton to progress to the final where they stormed to victory over the Aces to strengthen their position at the top of the standings.
Team manager Ritchie Hawkins put Danyon Hume in for his regulation ride straight from the off as Max Fricke won heat three ahead of Doyle and whilst Hume held third early on, he wasn’t able to hold off Brady Kurtz, meaning a 6-3 to the Belle Vue Aces.
Doyle was a dominant winner in heat six ahead of Adam Ellis and with Batchelor sat in third it meant a 6-3 heat advantage over the Sheffield Tigers.
Doyle was a winner again in heat nine and Batchelor covered every move Josh Pickering threw at him to hold onto second for a big 7-2 against the King’s Lynn Stars.
Doyle held off Sam Masters to take the chequered again in heat 12 and with Batchelor in third it was a 6-3 over the hosts Wolverhampton Wolves.
Scott Nicholls fell at the start of heat 13 but was allowed back in for the re-run. Nicholls then hit the deck again at the start of the re-run and was excluded on this occasion. The third attempt was also called back with the Witches on a 7-2 and Chris Harris was warned for moving at the start. At the fourth go, Batchelor and Doyle made the gate again but Harris produced a fine ride to pass both Witches meaning a 5-4 to Ipswich over the Peterborough Panthers which put them in the semi-final against hosts Wolverhampton.
Doyle made the gate in the semi-final and was leading before Nick Morris fell as he was being passed by Batchelor for third on the second lap and the home rider was excluded from the re-run. There was more drama before the re-run even got underway with Batchelor suffering mechanical issues at the tapes and he was excluded for missing the two-minute time allowance with Hume coming in as a replacement. Doyle beat Masters once the action restarted with Hume in third to secure a 6-3 to Ipswich and progress to the final.
Doyle and Batchelor raced from the gate in the final and were comfortable winners over the Belle Vue Aces with a 7-2 heat advantage which sealed a third round victory on the trot in the competition.
REACTION FROM THE BOSS
Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins reflects on Monday’s fourth round at Wolverhampton.
“It’s another great night in the Pairs. Three wins on the bounce puts us in a great position in the standings and it was another great night at Wolves. We have had three wins from three there this year and it carries on our great form and that buzz around the club at the moment.
“Doyley was superb as he has been every meeting and Batch carried on his great form from Thursday and stepped it up with a superb start in the final. As a pairing they have two wins from two in the Pairs which shows they love racing together. Danyon went out in heat three in our first race which was his best opportunity. He made a good start and very nearly scored points there. It was great for him to get another opportunity in the meeting later on and he has been a credit to the side as it is a hard job only getting one race a meeting and he was ready to go again for the semi which is a credit to him, and he is an important part of the team.
“We are 12 points clear in the standings now and tonight really went our way with other teams too. 12 points can vanish in one meeting, so we need to make sure we carry on at Sheffield and get some more points on the board there so that we go to the final round at Belle Vue in a strong position.”
WHAT IT MEANS
Ipswich add another 12 points to their tally and now hold a 12-point lead over second place King’s Lynn with two rounds to go. Wolverhampton and Peterborough are now out of the running to win the competition.
UP NEXT
The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches host the Sheffield Tigers at Foxhall Stadium on Thursday 21st July in a Premiership fixture. Tickets can be purchased here.
All the details ahead of the fourth round of the Premiership Pairs.
WHEN & WHERE
The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches pairing travels to Wolverhampton for the fourth round of the Premiership Pairs at the Ladbroke Stadium on Monday 18th July which starts at 8.00pm.
TEAMS
KING’S LYNN: Josh Pickering, Richard Lawson, Jason Edwards (RS). Team Manager: Alex Brady
PETERBOROUGH: Chris Harris, Scott Nicholls, Jordan Jenkins (RS). Team Manager: Rob Lyon
SHEFFIELD: Adam Ellis, Jack Holder, Connor Mountain (RS). Team Manager: Simon Stead
WOLVES: Sam Masters, Nick Morris, Joe Thompson (RS). Team Manager: Peter Adams
BELLE VUE: Max Fricke, Brady Kurtz, Tom Brennan (RS). Team Manager: Mark Lemon
IPSWICH: Jason Doyle, Troy Batchelor, Danyon Hume (RS). Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins
REFEREE: W. Jarvis
PREMIERSHIP PAIRS TABLE
Team
Points
Ipswich
26
Sheffield
24
King’s Lynn
22
Belle Vue
14
Peterborough
6
Wolverhampton
4
TICKETS
Tickets are available on the gate an online in advance here. The meeting will also be streamed online here. A BSN+ subscription is required to watch. Each round can be purchased individually, priced at £12.99. BSN’s coverage starts at 7.30pm. BSN’s web URL is watch.britishspeedway.co.uk. BSN also has an App which is now available on Amazon Fire TV and on all IOS (Apple) devices.
THE STORY
The ‘Tru Mix’ Witches pairing heads to Wolverhampton on Monday for the fourth round of the Premiership Pairs. Ipswich lead the competition after winning on home shale Foxhall in Round 2 before backing that up with victory in Round 3 at King’s Lynn. The lead is a narrow one with Sheffield just two points behind and Round 1 winners King’s Lynn in third just four points off top. A good showing by the Belle Vue Aces can get them back in contention whilst it is looking like Peterborough and Wolverhampton are in desperate need of a victory to keep their slim hopes alive of winning the tournament.
Team manager Ritchie Hawkins has elected to field Jason Doyle again whilst Troy Batchelor comes in for Danny King for this round with Danyon Hume as the ‘Rising Star’. Doyle has been ever-present in the competition so far and has been a big points scorer in every round. Batchelor partnered Doyle to victory in Round 2 at Foxhall and is back in the side for the trip to Wolverhampton. Both riders were key in Ipswich’s win over Belle Vue last Thursday in the Premiership with Doyle scoring 11 and Batchelor top scoring with 13+3. The pair also scored well in the Witches’ win at Wolverhampton two weeks ago with the former world champion hitting 11 and Batchelor chipping in with 7+3. Danyon Hume continues as the ‘Rising Star’ and is guaranteed at least one ride as part of the regulations.
HOW IT WORKS
The competition is a new addition to the calendar for 2022 with all six Premiership clubs staging a round throughout the season. Each club will have two riders and a ‘Rising Star’ at each round with scores accumulated over all six rounds before the overall aggregate winner is declared after the final round of the competition at Belle Vue in September. 12 points will be awarded to each round winner, eight points to second, six points to third, four points to fourth, two points to fifth and no points to sixth.
There will be 15 qualifying heats of action at each round with the top scoring team from the qualifying heats going directly to the final. The teams placed in second and third will compete in a semi-final with the winning side from that race progressing to the final to decide the round winners. Each team has five qualifying heats each and the ‘Rising Star’ must take at least one ride during the meeting. The points scoring system for the competition in each race will be 4-3-2-0.
FROM THE BOSS
Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins gives us his pre-match thoughts…
“We are leading the competition at the moment, so we go there wanting to cement that position and have another great round because we have really enjoyed winning the last two rounds. I have gone with Doyley and Batch. We say it every round, but Doyley picks himself and I felt over the two meetings we have had there, Batch has been slightly better than Danny. The decision was made before Thursday’s win over Belle Vue but his great form in that meeting fills us with confidence and I feel it is a place he likes, and it suits him. They have done one round together and won it so hopefully they can repeat that.
“We have been great at Wolves twice this year and both times we were led by Doyley and last time we had Erik at reserve so that really helped. We will need Troy to back Doyley up well like he did in the round at Foxhall and like Danny did at King’s Lynn.
“We have had two great rounds but due to that poor first round we are only two points in front at the top. That is nothing in this competition, so we need another strong round to keep us there going into the last two rounds.”
THE LINE-UP
The hosts will be looking for a much-needed round victory on home shale and have put faith in Sam Masters and Nick Morris to get the job done. Sheffield have been beaten finalists in every round so far and will be hoping that Adam Ellis and Jack Holder, in for the injured Tobiasz Musielak, can go one step further in Round 4. King’s Lynn remain unchanged in the tournament with Josh Pickering and Richard Lawson out to pick up another round victory. Belle Vue field Max Fricke and Brady Kurtz for this round with the Aces needing a good points haul at Monmore Green. Peterborough bring in Scott Nicholls for his first appearance in the competition to partner Chris Harris with the Panthers struggling at the bottom end of the table.
AWAY DAYS
An adult ticket costs £19, concessions £17, juniors (aged 13-18) £8, children (aged 6-12) £1 and children under the age of 5 go free. Official programmes cost £3. For travel information head here.
