The Evening star Ipswich Witches complete their 2008 regular season in style this Thursday with a double header against Poole and Coventry in a meeting sponsored by Howard Construction.
Due to the stadium curfew the first race will be at 7.15 sharp with the parade of riders taking place at 7pm. Prices for this double header will be: £22 for adults and £18 for concessions.
The Witches have already secured a spot in the playoffs for 2008, and will finish on level points with Swindon who are currently in third place should they win both meetings on Thursday. To overtake The Robins for the third spot both victories would need to be by big margins as the Robins currently have a 34 race points’ advantage. Should the Witches finish third they will travel to Lakeside Hammers in the play-offs next Monday evening. If they finish fourth, then they will travel to Poole instead. The Witches supporters will therefore be looking for their side to deliver the goods.
Jarek Hampel will be absent from proceedings on Thursday evening as he has a prior engagement in Poland, while Robert Miskowiak was absent from the away trip to Peterborough with an ear infection. It remains to be seen whether he will be fit this Thursday. Tobi Kroner is still suffering from a broken finger, with the Witches likely to use rider replacement in his place.
Coventry return to Foxhall after their trip earlier this month was abandoned after just a quarter of a lap had been completed due to rain. The Bees also boast a duo of talented Grand Prix riders in Hans Andersen and Chris Harris, but are still without Simon Stead, who is suffering from a broken collarbone. Billy Janniro has recently returned home to compete in the USA National Championships, and will likely be replaced by a guest. Olly Allen lines up at number 2 while Ben Barker and Filip Sitera make up the reserves pair.
Poole will be in town with a full strength side looking to upset the Witches and confirm their place at the top of the league with a win in their last match. The Pirates would be favourites to qualify for the Play-Offs Final should they have a home leg against Ipswich in the semi finals, but the Witches would want to boost morale ahead of Monday. It certainly will not be easy though, with seasoned campaigners like Bjarne Pedersen, Swedish champion Magnus Zetterstron and new Polish champion Adam Skornicki in the Pirates’ ranks. Australian sensation Chris Holder will also be a massive threat, and he has shown his liking for Foxhall with large scores on his previous visits. Daniel Davidsson and Freddie Erikssen make up the reserves pairing.Davey Watt returned from injury by guesting for Birmingham in a Challenge Match on Monday and proved his fitness so the Pirates should be at full strength. Poole recently thrashed the Witches 59-34 on 10th September at Wimborne Road.
While this double header will complete Ipswich’s Elite League fixtures, the Witches will want to sign off the regular home season with a good performance in the thirty heat special. With Monday’s playoff showdown rapidly approaching, the Witches will be looking to prepare in the best possible way, by gaining four league points and finishing level with the Swindon Robins.
