IPSWICH boss Ritchie Hawkins says a “strong start” is crucial when they look to book a place in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership Grand Final on Thursday.
The Witches are back on home territory having gone down 48-42 at Belle Vue in the first leg of their play-off semi-final earlier this week.
Their record against the ATPI Aces at Foxhall this year is impressive, but having lost their last home match against Sheffield, Hawkins has stressed he wants to make early inroads.
He said: “We will look to pull those six points back as soon as possible and have a very strong start to the meeting. I know if we have a strong start, it is tough for anyone to come back.
“They are going to battle to the end, and I think it is going to be a meeting not to be missed and I’m sure there will be a great atmosphere. We can’t wait for it.”
Belle Vue skipper Brady Kurtz is calling for his side to produce something extra as they fight to retain the title.
The ATPI Aces do take a lead to Ipswich on Thursday having won Monday’s first leg of their play-off semi-final by six points, but Kurtz knows they will need to improve upon past performances in Suffolk.
The Australian, who will also be chasing the World title in Denmark on Saturday, said: “We would have liked a few more points, no doubt.
“But when it comes to the play-offs I think you can never expect to take a big lead. Every match is tough.
“You’ve got to step up and produce something home and away, and this year will be no different.
“It doesn’t matter which team we were up against, we were going to have to find something at the away track. On Thursday that’s what we are going to have to do.”
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.