Ipswich boss Paul Hurry is backing his Tru7 Group Witches stars to step up their Rowe Motor Oil Premiership title fight after confirming their place in the play-off semi-finals.
The Witches stormed to a 48-42 victory away to 2025 Grand Final rivals Leicester on Monday, securing the aggregate bonus point 98-82 and the chance to defend the league title they won last season.
Polish racer Tobiasz Musielak powered to 14 points for the visitors, with No.1 Richard Lawson notching nine and rising star Jason Edwards impressing on seven paid nine at No.7 in a stunning team performance.
Victory moves the Witches up to third place in the Premiership standings, but Sheffield will recapture the position and drop Ipswich into fourth if the Tigers win at home to basement club Northampton on Wednesday.
That would hand the Witches a semi-final tie with table-topping Belle Vue, while victory for the Foxes would set up a rematch between Ipswich and Leicester in the semis.
Either way, Hurry is backing his side to take the fight to whoever they face after a stellar result at the Hydroscand Arena.
He said: “I am really pleased. We all know what speedway is like and there is no real reason why the boys can’t go into the semi-finals and give it a really good push – whoever we meet – and crack on to the final. Then once you are in the final, it’s anyone’s game.
“We had a chat before the meeting and explained what we needed to do, particularly with the reserves – and they did it.
“Jason has had a couple of lulls, but he came good, and so did Kevin Juhl Pedersen. Kevin was trying very hard, and it was probably one of his best meetings. That’s how important their jobs are. The reserves can win and lose you meetings and they did brilliantly.
“Tobi was absolutely excellent. To pass Ryan Douglas around there from the back … There are not many people that can do that, but he did. I have nothing but praise for Tobi and the effort he has gone to this year.
“Richard, Scott Nicholls and Tom Brennan all did their jobs and in heat 15, Richard stepped up and was pushing Ryan as well. It was a great effort.
“I want to say thanks to all the travelling fans – it’s really appreciated when we do the track walk and see them all there. Knowing that they are there is a big thing for the boys.”
Witches will announce their play-off semi-final dates along with ticket information following Sheffield’s clash with Northampton on Wednesday.
FINAL SCORES
LEICESTER LIONS 42: 1. Ryan Douglas 16, 2. Drew Kemp 0, 3. Sam Masters 8+2, 4. Dan Thompson 9+1, 5. Rider Replacement – Nick Morris, 6. Justin Sedgmen 3, 7. Joe Thompson 6.
IPSWICH TRU7 GROUP WITCHES 48: 1. Richard Lawson 9, 2. Scott Nicholls 5+2, 3. Danny King 2+2, 4. Tom Brennan 7, 5. Tobiasz Musielak 14, 6. Kevin Juhl Pedersen 4+1, 7. Jason Edwards 7+2.