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

PLAY-OFF FINAL PREVIEW: IPSWICH V SHEFFIELD (2ND LEG)

Posted on

29 September, 2017

The ‘Tru7.com’ Witches host the deciding leg of the 2017 Championship Play-Off final this Saturday against Sheffield Tigers at Foxhall (7.30pm).

The two sides got the final underway on Thursday evening at Owlerton with the Tigers building a 16-point lead after a 53-37 win. It was a close battle on the night as both sides threw everything at each other and it promises to be another pulsating night of action under the lights at Foxhall on Saturday.

Cameron Heeps makes his Foxhall return from injury having scored 6+1 at Sheffield on Thursday. Sadly, Connor Mountain failed another fitness test and will miss Saturday’s meeting with Newcastle’s Alfie Bowtell deputising at number seven. Rider replacement remains in operation at number two for Justin Sedgmen.

The Tigers will be without number one Josh Grajczonek who withdrew after two rides on Thursday having aggravated an injury picked up on Tuesday at Glasgow. Ipswich legend Scott Nicholls, part of the famous 1998 treble winning side, deputises in his place. Josh Bates rides at number four and he was in fine form on Thursday scoring 13 in some thrilling races.

The Witches have run out comfortable winners on both occasions at Foxhall this season during the league campaign with 52-38 and 52-41 wins with the visitors’ last win in Suffolk coming back in 2015. The two wins this season show the home side have it in them to win by 16 points but it will need one more push from riders and fans to see them over the line.

Team Manager Ritchie Hawkins says his side remain underdogs due to their injury problems but has confidence in his side to complete the job.

“Looking at the final, we are the underdogs because of our injury problems,” said Hawkins. “I believe we have a more talented side but Sheffield have done an exceptional job this year and it will be a very difficult ask for us but I have confidence in my riders.”

Hawkins says that Saturday has all the makings to be a classic at Foxhall and explains his reasons for booking Bowtell to guest.

“Whatever happens Saturday is going to be an exciting meeting. It is the final of the league, it is an exciting thing to be involved in and every point is going to matter. It will be tense and it has the makings to be a classic.

“Alfie impressed us a lot when he came with Berwick and he has been to Ipswich a couple of times so knows the track. I want determination and he won’t be afraid to give it a go on Saturday.”

The boss is hoping for a big crowd on Saturday night and says it will be a special night for the town should his side secure the title.

“I hope everyone comes and backs us on Saturday and there is a big crowd at Foxhall. It has been a long time coming and we have been close for a long time and we are closer than we were last year now. It will be very difficult but if we can bring that title to the town it will be very special for everybody. I know the whole town will embrace it and that is all we want to do.”

The former captain says it has been an ambition of his to bring a league title to Suffolk for a long time.

“I feel a responsibility, my ambition for many years now has been to bring a title back to Ipswich so I am feeling the adrenalin and the buzz for it. I am happy with the team I have got and have every confidence in them, they impress me every week. I am feeling confident with the team and the talent they have.”

Hawkins says it has been another year of learning about different personalities but says everyone knows their roles ahead of the second leg.

“Everyone knows their roles and we have all spoken in the week building up to this. It has been another year of learning with new personalities and egos in the team and last year was the same. I think we are doing alright and are doing something right somewhere along the line. We just need to go that final step now.”

Kids go free to this meeting.

Words: Henry Chard

 

Ipswich ‘Tru7.com’ Witches:

1. Danny King (c) 9.03

2. R/R for Justin Sedgmen 6.17

3. Cameron Heeps 6.93

4. Kyle Newman 6.25

5. Rory Schlein 8.60

6. Nathan Greaves 4.45

7. Alfie Bowtell (g) 3.26

Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins 

 

Sheffield ‘Window Centre’ Tigers:

1. Scott Nicholls (g) 9.54

2. Todd Kurtz 5.39

3. Lasse Bjerre 8.27

4. Josh Bates 6.67

5. Kyle Howarth (c) 8.52

6. Jan Graversen 4.88

7. Georgie Wood 2.49

Team Manager: Simon Stead

 

Referee: M. Bates

Parade: Saturday, 7.30pm

Venue: Foxhall Stadium, IP4 5TL

 

Championship Play-Off final

Ipswich (37) vs (53) Sheffield

 

Last five home results v Tigers:

12.07.17 W52-38

25.03.17 W52-41

08.09.16 W59-34

23.04.16 W51-39

23.07.15 L43-47

 

Sheffield’s last five:

CHPO Sheffield 53-37 Ipswich

CHPO Glasgow 34-31 Sheffield

CHPO Sheffield 59-31 Glasgow

CH Berwick 50-40 Sheffield

CH Sheffield 52-38 Ipswich

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

PLAY-OFF FINAL PREVIEW: IPSWICH V SHEFFIELD (2ND LEG)

Posted on

29 September, 2017

The ‘Tru7.com’ Witches host the deciding leg of the 2017 Championship Play-Off final this Saturday against Sheffield Tigers at Foxhall (7.30pm).

The two sides got the final underway on Thursday evening at Owlerton with the Tigers building a 16-point lead after a 53-37 win. It was a close battle on the night as both sides threw everything at each other and it promises to be another pulsating night of action under the lights at Foxhall on Saturday.

Cameron Heeps makes his Foxhall return from injury having scored 6+1 at Sheffield on Thursday. Sadly, Connor Mountain failed another fitness test and will miss Saturday’s meeting with Newcastle’s Alfie Bowtell deputising at number seven. Rider replacement remains in operation at number two for Justin Sedgmen.

The Tigers will be without number one Josh Grajczonek who withdrew after two rides on Thursday having aggravated an injury picked up on Tuesday at Glasgow. Ipswich legend Scott Nicholls, part of the famous 1998 treble winning side, deputises in his place. Josh Bates rides at number four and he was in fine form on Thursday scoring 13 in some thrilling races.

The Witches have run out comfortable winners on both occasions at Foxhall this season during the league campaign with 52-38 and 52-41 wins with the visitors’ last win in Suffolk coming back in 2015. The two wins this season show the home side have it in them to win by 16 points but it will need one more push from riders and fans to see them over the line.

Team Manager Ritchie Hawkins says his side remain underdogs due to their injury problems but has confidence in his side to complete the job.

“Looking at the final, we are the underdogs because of our injury problems,” said Hawkins. “I believe we have a more talented side but Sheffield have done an exceptional job this year and it will be a very difficult ask for us but I have confidence in my riders.”

Hawkins says that Saturday has all the makings to be a classic at Foxhall and explains his reasons for booking Bowtell to guest.

“Whatever happens Saturday is going to be an exciting meeting. It is the final of the league, it is an exciting thing to be involved in and every point is going to matter. It will be tense and it has the makings to be a classic.

“Alfie impressed us a lot when he came with Berwick and he has been to Ipswich a couple of times so knows the track. I want determination and he won’t be afraid to give it a go on Saturday.”

The boss is hoping for a big crowd on Saturday night and says it will be a special night for the town should his side secure the title.

“I hope everyone comes and backs us on Saturday and there is a big crowd at Foxhall. It has been a long time coming and we have been close for a long time and we are closer than we were last year now. It will be very difficult but if we can bring that title to the town it will be very special for everybody. I know the whole town will embrace it and that is all we want to do.”

The former captain says it has been an ambition of his to bring a league title to Suffolk for a long time.

“I feel a responsibility, my ambition for many years now has been to bring a title back to Ipswich so I am feeling the adrenalin and the buzz for it. I am happy with the team I have got and have every confidence in them, they impress me every week. I am feeling confident with the team and the talent they have.”

Hawkins says it has been another year of learning about different personalities but says everyone knows their roles ahead of the second leg.

“Everyone knows their roles and we have all spoken in the week building up to this. It has been another year of learning with new personalities and egos in the team and last year was the same. I think we are doing alright and are doing something right somewhere along the line. We just need to go that final step now.”

Kids go free to this meeting.

Words: Henry Chard

 

Ipswich ‘Tru7.com’ Witches:

1. Danny King (c) 9.03

2. R/R for Justin Sedgmen 6.17

3. Cameron Heeps 6.93

4. Kyle Newman 6.25

5. Rory Schlein 8.60

6. Nathan Greaves 4.45

7. Alfie Bowtell (g) 3.26

Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins 

 

Sheffield ‘Window Centre’ Tigers:

1. Scott Nicholls (g) 9.54

2. Todd Kurtz 5.39

3. Lasse Bjerre 8.27

4. Josh Bates 6.67

5. Kyle Howarth (c) 8.52

6. Jan Graversen 4.88

7. Georgie Wood 2.49

Team Manager: Simon Stead

 

Referee: M. Bates

Parade: Saturday, 7.30pm

Venue: Foxhall Stadium, IP4 5TL

 

Championship Play-Off final

Ipswich (37) vs (53) Sheffield

 

Last five home results v Tigers:

12.07.17 W52-38

25.03.17 W52-41

08.09.16 W59-34

23.04.16 W51-39

23.07.15 L43-47

 

Sheffield’s last five:

CHPO Sheffield 53-37 Ipswich

CHPO Glasgow 34-31 Sheffield

CHPO Sheffield 59-31 Glasgow

CH Berwick 50-40 Sheffield

CH Sheffield 52-38 Ipswich

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}