Ipswich Witches Speedway
  • Home
  • News
  • Tickets
  • Fixtures/Results
    • League Tables
    • Archive Results
  • Team
    • Rider Results
  • Admission
  • Media
  • Club
    • Info
    • Honours
    • Club Officials
    • Related Links
  • Contact
    • Raceday Shout-outs
  • Sponsors
    • Become A Sponsor
Ipswich Witches Speedway
  • Ipswich Witches Speedway
  • Home
  • News
  • Tickets
  • Fixtures/Results
  • League Tables
  • Archive Results
  • Team
  • Rider Results
  • Media
  • Club
  • Info
  • Honours
  • Club Officials
  • Related Links
  • Admission
  • Contact
  • Raceday Shout-outs
  • Sponsors
  • Become A Sponsor

MEETING PREVIEW: IPSWICH V BERWICK

Posted on

27 March, 2017

The ‘Tru7.com’ Witches are back in action at Foxhall on Thursday as they take on the Berwick Bandits in the Knockout Cup (7.30pm). This meeting is sponsored by title sponsors ‘Tru7.com’.

The Witches started the 2017 season in style on Saturday night as they put Sheffield to the sword to bag three Championship points in front of a big crowd. Attentions now turn to the Knockout Cup as Berwick visit Suffolk for the first leg tie as the home side look to build a lead to defend at Shielfield Park on Saturday.

The Foxhall outfit have been dealt an early blow with the news that Kyle Newman will be ruled out for a period of time after fracturing his shoulder blade and tearing muscles in his shoulder after a fall at Poole last Friday. Chris Louis and Ritchie Hawkins have moved quickly to cover Newman’s absence by bringing back James Sarjeant on a short term deal until Newman is back fully fit. Sarjeant was a hit with the Foxhall crowd in 2016 and will ride at number two on Thursday.

It’s an exciting year for the Bandits as they enter their 50th season and with new owners and management, optimism is high on the terraces. Managed by Gary Havelock, the Bandits swooped for Lewis Bridger to spearhead their 2017 team with Witches asset Kevin Doolan captaining the side again this season. Dany Gappmaier misses Thursday’s clash with concussion and is replaced by Leicester’s Danny Ayres at reserve.

Team Manager Hawkins is hoping his side can build up some momentum and take a big lead to Berwick on Saturday.

“It’s nice to be riding again a few days after a good result and we can build some momentum,” said Hawkins. “We have got a week off after the Knockout Cup clashes with Berwick and we can’t afford any slip ups, it’s a competition we want to win. We need to put in a really good performance and build a decent lead.”

Hawkins says the feedback on the track changes at Foxhall has been positive amongst the riders.

“The feedback was really positive which is good for Chris (Louis), we know the surface is a lot better now. Even I could see that the wideness of the track was helping, you could see it helping Nico (Covatti) straight away in his first ride. You will see more use of the wideness over the course of the year but all the work Chris has done on the banking has been a massive improvement.”

The boss says his side will head to Berwick on Saturday looking to win whatever happens on Thursday and wants to see his team progress week by week.

“We have got to put a solid performance like we did last week and I have no doubt that we are good enough to go through. We will go up to Berwick looking to win too but we will concentrate on building the biggest lead possible on Thursday. As riders it would be good to see each of them progress more this week too.”

Hawkins had special words for Berwick but is hoping his team end their Knockout Cup hopes this week.

“I wish Berwick all the best, it seems like a breath of fresh air for everyone up there with the changes and I have heard the crowds are good which is positive. We had a good crowd on Saturday and I really hope it is successful up at Berwick as they are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet but I hope we knock them out this week!”

Words: Henry Chard

 

Meeting Sponsor: Tippers ‘R’ Us

https://tru7.com/

 

 

Ipswich ‘Tru7.com’ Witches:

1. Danny King (c) 9.57

2. James Sarjeant 5.81

3. Nico Covatti 7.49

4. Cameron Heeps 5.07

5. Rory Schlein 7.17

6. Connor Mountain 2.00

7. Danyon Hume 2.00

Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

 

‘Olympus Marquees’ Berwick Bandits:

1. Lewis Bridger 8.53

2. Liam Carr 4.69

3. Dimitri Berge 6.91

4. Claus Vissing 6.80

5. Kevin Doolan (c) 6.99

6. Danny Ayres (g) 3.60

7. Ryan Blacklock 2.00

Team Manager: Gary Havelock

 

Referee: P. Carrington

Parade: Thursday, 7.30pm

Venue: Foxhall Stadium, IP4 5TL

 

Last five home results v Berwick:

14.07.16 W58-34

20.08.15 W60-30

21.05.15 W46-44

31.07.14 W60-34

01.08.13 W56-37

 

Witches Knockout Cup history:

2016 R1 Lost v Rye House

2015 R1 Lost v Berwick

2014 Runners Up v Edinburgh

2013 QF Lost v Workington

2012 Runners-Up to Newcastle

 

Berwick in 2017:

TTT Newcastle 55-35 Berwick

TTT Berwick 45-45 Newcastle

Recent Post

  • RACEDAY GUIDE | BELLE VUE (H)
  • RACEDAY REPORT | BELLE VUE 48–42 IPSWICH
  • RACEDAY GUIDE | BELLE VUE (A)
  • RACEDAY REPORT | IPSWICH 43–47 SHEFFIELD
  • ROWE MOTOR OIL PREMIERSHIP PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL DATES CONFIRMED

Search Categories

  • 2016 & 2017 Previews
  • 2016 & 2017 Reports
  • 2016 News
  • 2017 News
  • 2018 News
  • 2018 Previews
  • 2018 Reports
  • 2019 News
  • 2019 Previews
  • 2019 Reports
  • 2020 British Final
  • 2020 News
  • 2021 News
  • 2021 Previews
  • 2021 Reports
  • 2022 News
  • 2022 Previews
  • 2022 Reports
  • 2023 News
  • 2023 Previews
  • 2023 Reports
  • 2024 News
  • 2024 Previews
  • 2024 Reports
  • 2025 News
  • 2025 Previews
  • 2025 Reports
  • Aaron Summers
  • Adam Ellis
  • Anders Rowe
  • Ben Barker
  • Cameron Heeps
  • Chris Harris
  • Chris Louis
  • Competitions
  • Connor Mountain
  • Coty Garcia
  • Craig Cook
  • Dan Thompson
  • Danny Ayres
  • Danny King
  • Danyon Hume
  • David Bellego
  • David Wallinger
  • Drew Kemp
  • Edward Kennett
  • Emil Sayfutdinov
  • Erik Riss
  • Ipswich Town Football Club
  • Jack Thomas
  • Jake Allen
  • James Sarjeant
  • Jason Crump
  • Jason Doyle
  • Jason Edwards
  • Joe Jacobs
  • Joe Thompson
  • Jonas Jeppesen
  • Jordan Jenkins
  • Jordan Stewart
  • Justin Sedgmen
  • Keynan Rew
  • Krystian Pieszczek
  • Kyle Newman
  • Mark Riss
  • Michael Härtel
  • Morten Risager
  • Nathan Greaves
  • Nico Covatti
  • Nicolai Klindt
  • Niels-Kristian Iversen
  • Oliver Greenwood
  • Paul Starke
  • ReRun Productions
  • Richard Lawson
  • Ritchie Hawkins
  • Rohan Tungate
  • Rory Schlein
  • Supporters Club
  • Tai Woffinden
  • Tom Brennan
  • Track Shop
  • Troy Batchelor
  • Tru Mix
  • Tru Plant
  • Tru7 Group

Find Previous Articles

MEETING PREVIEW: IPSWICH V BERWICK

Posted on

27 March, 2017

The ‘Tru7.com’ Witches are back in action at Foxhall on Thursday as they take on the Berwick Bandits in the Knockout Cup (7.30pm). This meeting is sponsored by title sponsors ‘Tru7.com’.

The Witches started the 2017 season in style on Saturday night as they put Sheffield to the sword to bag three Championship points in front of a big crowd. Attentions now turn to the Knockout Cup as Berwick visit Suffolk for the first leg tie as the home side look to build a lead to defend at Shielfield Park on Saturday.

The Foxhall outfit have been dealt an early blow with the news that Kyle Newman will be ruled out for a period of time after fracturing his shoulder blade and tearing muscles in his shoulder after a fall at Poole last Friday. Chris Louis and Ritchie Hawkins have moved quickly to cover Newman’s absence by bringing back James Sarjeant on a short term deal until Newman is back fully fit. Sarjeant was a hit with the Foxhall crowd in 2016 and will ride at number two on Thursday.

It’s an exciting year for the Bandits as they enter their 50th season and with new owners and management, optimism is high on the terraces. Managed by Gary Havelock, the Bandits swooped for Lewis Bridger to spearhead their 2017 team with Witches asset Kevin Doolan captaining the side again this season. Dany Gappmaier misses Thursday’s clash with concussion and is replaced by Leicester’s Danny Ayres at reserve.

Team Manager Hawkins is hoping his side can build up some momentum and take a big lead to Berwick on Saturday.

“It’s nice to be riding again a few days after a good result and we can build some momentum,” said Hawkins. “We have got a week off after the Knockout Cup clashes with Berwick and we can’t afford any slip ups, it’s a competition we want to win. We need to put in a really good performance and build a decent lead.”

Hawkins says the feedback on the track changes at Foxhall has been positive amongst the riders.

“The feedback was really positive which is good for Chris (Louis), we know the surface is a lot better now. Even I could see that the wideness of the track was helping, you could see it helping Nico (Covatti) straight away in his first ride. You will see more use of the wideness over the course of the year but all the work Chris has done on the banking has been a massive improvement.”

The boss says his side will head to Berwick on Saturday looking to win whatever happens on Thursday and wants to see his team progress week by week.

“We have got to put a solid performance like we did last week and I have no doubt that we are good enough to go through. We will go up to Berwick looking to win too but we will concentrate on building the biggest lead possible on Thursday. As riders it would be good to see each of them progress more this week too.”

Hawkins had special words for Berwick but is hoping his team end their Knockout Cup hopes this week.

“I wish Berwick all the best, it seems like a breath of fresh air for everyone up there with the changes and I have heard the crowds are good which is positive. We had a good crowd on Saturday and I really hope it is successful up at Berwick as they are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet but I hope we knock them out this week!”

Words: Henry Chard

 

Meeting Sponsor: Tippers ‘R’ Us

https://tru7.com/

 

 

Ipswich ‘Tru7.com’ Witches:

1. Danny King (c) 9.57

2. James Sarjeant 5.81

3. Nico Covatti 7.49

4. Cameron Heeps 5.07

5. Rory Schlein 7.17

6. Connor Mountain 2.00

7. Danyon Hume 2.00

Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

 

‘Olympus Marquees’ Berwick Bandits:

1. Lewis Bridger 8.53

2. Liam Carr 4.69

3. Dimitri Berge 6.91

4. Claus Vissing 6.80

5. Kevin Doolan (c) 6.99

6. Danny Ayres (g) 3.60

7. Ryan Blacklock 2.00

Team Manager: Gary Havelock

 

Referee: P. Carrington

Parade: Thursday, 7.30pm

Venue: Foxhall Stadium, IP4 5TL

 

Last five home results v Berwick:

14.07.16 W58-34

20.08.15 W60-30

21.05.15 W46-44

31.07.14 W60-34

01.08.13 W56-37

 

Witches Knockout Cup history:

2016 R1 Lost v Rye House

2015 R1 Lost v Berwick

2014 Runners Up v Edinburgh

2013 QF Lost v Workington

2012 Runners-Up to Newcastle

 

Berwick in 2017:

TTT Newcastle 55-35 Berwick

TTT Berwick 45-45 Newcastle

Recent Post

  • RACEDAY GUIDE | BELLE VUE (H)
  • RACEDAY REPORT | BELLE VUE 48–42 IPSWICH
  • RACEDAY GUIDE | BELLE VUE (A)
  • RACEDAY REPORT | IPSWICH 43–47 SHEFFIELD
  • ROWE MOTOR OIL PREMIERSHIP PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL DATES CONFIRMED

Search Categories

  • 2016 & 2017 Previews
  • 2016 & 2017 Reports
  • 2016 News
  • 2017 News
  • 2018 News
  • 2018 Previews
  • 2018 Reports
  • 2019 News
  • 2019 Previews
  • 2019 Reports
  • 2020 British Final
  • 2020 News
  • 2021 News
  • 2021 Previews
  • 2021 Reports
  • 2022 News
  • 2022 Previews
  • 2022 Reports
  • 2023 News
  • 2023 Previews
  • 2023 Reports
  • 2024 News
  • 2024 Previews
  • 2024 Reports
  • 2025 News
  • 2025 Previews
  • 2025 Reports
  • Aaron Summers
  • Adam Ellis
  • Anders Rowe
  • Ben Barker
  • Cameron Heeps
  • Chris Harris
  • Chris Louis
  • Competitions
  • Connor Mountain
  • Coty Garcia
  • Craig Cook
  • Dan Thompson
  • Danny Ayres
  • Danny King
  • Danyon Hume
  • David Bellego
  • David Wallinger
  • Drew Kemp
  • Edward Kennett
  • Emil Sayfutdinov
  • Erik Riss
  • Ipswich Town Football Club
  • Jack Thomas
  • Jake Allen
  • James Sarjeant
  • Jason Crump
  • Jason Doyle
  • Jason Edwards
  • Joe Jacobs
  • Joe Thompson
  • Jonas Jeppesen
  • Jordan Jenkins
  • Jordan Stewart
  • Justin Sedgmen
  • Keynan Rew
  • Krystian Pieszczek
  • Kyle Newman
  • Mark Riss
  • Michael Härtel
  • Morten Risager
  • Nathan Greaves
  • Nico Covatti
  • Nicolai Klindt
  • Niels-Kristian Iversen
  • Oliver Greenwood
  • Paul Starke
  • ReRun Productions
  • Richard Lawson
  • Ritchie Hawkins
  • Rohan Tungate
  • Rory Schlein
  • Supporters Club
  • Tai Woffinden
  • Tom Brennan
  • Track Shop
  • Troy Batchelor
  • Tru Mix
  • Tru Plant
  • Tru7 Group

Find Previous Articles

Find Us

Address
Ipswich Speedway
Foxhall Stadium
Foxhall Road
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP4 5TL

Contact
Email: enquiries@ipswichwitches.co
Phone: 07859 802828

Pages

  • Home
  • News
  • Tickets
  • Fixtures/Results
  • Team
  • Admission
  • Media
  • Club
  • Contact
  • Raceday Shout-outs
  • Sponsors

Other Pages

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • X
  • YouTube

Find Us

Address
Ipswich Speedway
Foxhall Stadium
Foxhall Road
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP4 5TL

Contact
Email: enquiries@ipswichwitches.co
Phone: 07859 802828

Pages

  • Home
  • News
  • Tickets
  • Fixtures/Results
  • Team
  • Admission
  • Media
  • Club
  • Contact
  • Raceday Shout-outs
  • Sponsors

Other Pages

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • X
  • YouTube

Find Us

Address
Ipswich Speedway
Foxhall Stadium
Foxhall Road
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP4 5TL

Contact
Email: enquiries@ipswichwitches.co
Phone: 07859 802828

Pages

  • Home
  • News
  • Tickets
  • Fixtures/Results
  • Team
  • Admission
  • Media
  • Club
  • Contact
  • Raceday Shout-outs
  • Sponsors

Other Pages

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • X
  • YouTube

Copyright ® 2025

Ipswich Witches Speedway

powered by Painting Pixels Ltd.

Ipswich Witches Speedway
Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}