Speedway: Ipswich Witches suffer first defeat of the season
They were without captain Danny King and Jason Doyle
The Ipswich Witches were defeated for the first time in 2024, suffering a heavy 55-35 loss at Belle Vue last night (Monday 22nd).
The visitors were without injured captain Danny King and Jason Doyle who had his flight delayed.
Ryan Douglas and Charles Wright guested in their place.
The Suffolk side held a 12-point lead for the aggregate bonus point after a 51-39 win at Foxhall in March, but they went home pointless after the home team dominated the contest throughout.
Guest Douglas top scored with 11+1.
Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins reflected on the defeat: “It was a tough night at the office, the first one of the year.
"Everything has gone so well so far so we certainly do not need to dwell on tonight. It was a very tough night, similar to recent visits to Belle Vue where we have just not been quick enough.
"We were missing a couple of riders and Dougy did a great job replacing Danny. Doyley was a massive loss and maybe he would have given us a shout for the bonus point but overall, I don’t think it made a massive difference to the result.
“If we knew what we need to do there, we would have put it right by now and we are constantly working on it as we will be on every visit there this year.
"We need to improve around here, and it will be something we will be working on."
The Ipswich Witches next race when they host the Sheffield Tigers at Foxhall Stadium on Thursday 25th April.