By Mike Bacon
Jason Doyle has said Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches fans deserve this sensational climax to the season after having had so many near misses and heartaches in recent times.
The Witches entertain Sheffield Tigers in the sport’s biggest team clash of the season, the Sports Insure Premiership grand final, first leg, at Foxhall Stadium on Tuesday night, 7.30pm. It is set to be an explosive night of action as the Witches look to build a big first leg lead.
Doyle, who has been sensational for the Witches again in his second year with the club, can’t wait for the final to come round.
“The Ipswich club and Witches fans deserve this after so many years of heartache, not winning any silverware,” Doyle said.
“To finally get silverware this year with the Knockout Cup is great, now we have the chance to make it a double. It would be amazing.”
Doyle and the Witches are the form team in the Sports Insure Premiership, having lost just four of their last 13 meetings. They hung tough at Belle Vue last Monday night, seeing off the current champions, in a thrilling last heat to reach the final.
Doyle has nothing but praise for his team-mates and management when questioned about the upturn in form.
“You have to put that down to team manager Ritchie Hawkins and Chris Louis,” Doyle said.
“They stuck by us all season, even when there was a dip in the rollercoaster shall we say. There’s a great team spirit at Ipswich. We work as a team.
“I can honestly say – and I mean this – I have never ridden in a team where the atmosphere has been so good.
“It showed at Belle Vue when we were up against it, and it meant so much when we made it into the final. It wasn’t just for the riders on the track, it was for the mechanics, the whole outfit in the pits, the fans, everyone.
“The amount of support we have and especially from the fans is something special.”
Doyle, who joined the Witches at the start of the 2022 season, admits it has been a good move for him.
“Ipswich have been a club I have always wanted to ride for, but I didn’t know when I would get the chance,” he said.
“It all fell into my hands when Swindon left the league and I moved to Ipswich. Since then, I’ve absolutely loved it. To get two years in a row and some silverware. And now the chance to win the big one, that’s always been the goal.
“We’re getting the crowds into Foxhall. The team notice the noise. Now we want to do it for them.”
Admission for fans on Tuesday at Foxhall: Adults (17+) £22, concessions (65+) £20, children (16 and under) free, car parking is also free, matchday race programme: £3
IPSWICH WITCHES v SHEFFIELD TIGERS, Sports Insure Premiership grand final, first leg, Foxhall Stadium, Tuesday, October 3, 7.30pm start.