Ipswich Witches column: Derby victory against King’s Lynn Stars makes it a Bank Holiday weekend to remember for the town
Ipswich Witches made sure it was a weekend to remember for the town with an emphatic 52-38 derby day victory over King’s Lynn at Foxhall Stadium, on Monday.
After the euphoria of Ipswich Town Football Club’s promotion back to the Championship on Saturday, eyes turned to the Witches 48 hours later – and they didn’t disappoint.
Lynn were blown away in the early heats by a rampant Witches team who went 12 points ahead after four races, and maintained a solid 10-point advantage throughout much of the meeting.
Brilliant performances from Emil Sayfutdinov (15pt maximum) and Jason Doyle (11+1 maximum) led the charge, while Danny King won two races and reserve Danyon Hume scored a well-earned paid 11.
It left Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins delighted.
“We started really well, and looked the determined team and that is what I want to see,” he said.
“I am very happy with the win but for me it is not even quite half the job done as we need to win on Thursday back at their place.
“The top end were again terrific. Jason Doyle went down hard in heat one and hurt his shoulder a little bit, but we know what we get with him, he got straight back on it, it doesn’t faze him.
“Emil Sayfutdinov’s first maximum was brilliant, it was a great performance, while Danny King started the meeting so well, and you are kind of winning every race.”
And Hawkins had special praise for youngsters Danyon Hume and Keynan Rew.
“Danyon helped get us off to a super start with heat wins and involved in maximum 5-1s, and Keynan gets better during meetings,” Hawkins said.
“I think maybe he needs a little bit of confidence at the start of the meeting, he takes a couple of rides to get warmed up. If we can get him going right from his first heat like he rides at the end of the meeting, then he is going to be scoring a lot of points.”
Another bumper Foxhall crowd were entertained and, in the main, the rain kept away, to allow the meeting to take place.
So, now all eyes turn to the Norfolk Arena for tomorrow night’s return leg in Norfolk. Lynn will be very much looking forward to pepping up their challenge and gaining revenge on Ipswich who, will no doubt be taking plenty of support to Norfolk.
A bonus point is up for grabs for the aggregate winning score between the two sides, the Witches 14 points to the good after their Bank Holiday Monday victory.
Not that Ritchie Hawkins will be going to the Norfolk Arena looking just for that. He will want victory to keep up Ipswich’s good start to the 2023 Premiership season.
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The Witches have a chance to reach the KO Cup final with back-to-back meetings with Peterborough Panthers next week.
Ipswich travel to the East of England Arena on Monday in the opening leg of the semi-final clash, before entertaining the Panthers at Foxhall next Thursday.
It’s early days in the season, but the chance to reach a major cup final this soon is very appealing, not just to the Witches management and riders, but very much the fans.
It’s been a long time since the Witches won a major trophy. They have come close a few times in recent seasons with play-off finals and cup finals – but have failed to get over the line since 1998, when the all-conquering Witches won the treble.
Both meetings next week start at 7.30pm.
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Witches No.1, Jason Doyle, made a good start to his Grand Prix season, as he made the A final in Gorican, Croatia on Saturday night.
After winning three heats and his semi-final, Doyle rocketed from gate four in the final, only to crash out on turn two, having to pick his bike up and leave the track as the other riders completed the race.
While it was a disappointing end to the night for the Aussie, who looked good for a possible win, the bigger picture was his excellent form to get him a shot at the A final. It all bodes well for him for the GP season ahead.
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It was of course, a momentous weekend for the town of Ipswich, with the football club getting promoted and the Witches winning the opening Suffolk/Norfolk derby of the season.
Ipswich’s two professional sports teams enjoy a healthy relationship, both promoting each other and enjoying following other’s successes.
Back in the 1970s and ‘80s, Ipswich Town and Ipswich Speedway were masters of their craft.
In 1975 the Witches won the League title and did the double of League and Cup the next year. Ipswich Town won the FA Cup in 1978 and the UEFA Cup in 1981, before the Witches won the double again in 1984.
Halcyon days, that fans of both clubs will hope are on their way back.
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Admission for fans on race night at Foxhall: Adults (17+) £22, concessions (65+) £20, children (16 and under) free, car parking is also free.
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Thurs., May 4 King’s Lynn (Away), 7.30pm, Premiership
Mon., May 8 Peterborough (Away, 7.30pm, KO Cup
Thurs., May 11 Peterborough (HOME), 7.30pm, KO Cup
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PREMIERSHIP TABLE
(top 4 into play-offs)
Team P Pts
Belle Vue 7 12
Ipswich 4 6
Wolves 3 5
Sheffield 3 5
Leicester 3 3
King’s Lynn 3 2
Peterborough 5 0
