IPSWICH boss Ritchie Hawkins insisted the riders “work as a unit” to cover team losses after an incredible win in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership against Oxford.
The 53-37 victory moved the Witches six points clear at the top of the league.
The clash at Foxhall Stadium was not without its problems, though with Adam Ellis being withdrawn after just one race due to pain in his side.
Hawkins said: “Result-wise it was brilliant and another team performance again, so I am delighted with that.
“It certainly wasn’t without its worries and stress with different injuries, but we managed to cope with our problems and all the boys are working well as a unit to cover each other.
“Missing Adam after one heat puts a lot of pressure on the team, Danny King is not fully fit yet, and Jordan Jenkins had a crash and picked up a knock.
“Even though he went through the card, Emil was feeling pretty under the weather, so we were far from fully fit.”
Emil Sayfutdinov pushed through despite feeling unwell and scored a 12-point maximum for the Witches.
Keynan Rew kept a strong form in reserve, scoring 11+2, with guest, Scott Nicholls, racking up 11+1 points for the home side to maintain the 100 percent record on their own circuit.
Former Witches rider, Rohan Tungate, led the way for the Spires with 13 points, and captain, Chris Harris, added 9+1, but the team were left disappointed.
Oxford manager Peter Schroeck said: “It’s unacceptable really, I’m very disappointed with it, I know we can do a lot better.
“It’s a bit out of character and I’m not happy at all.
“The track is the same for everybody, it’s all about attitude and you’ve got to be mentally pretty strong when you come here.
“We have to regroup, start all over again, and if these boys want to be in the play-offs, they have to pull their socks up, otherwise we have to look at alternatives.”
Spires will be looking to make a speedy comeback in their next meet at home against Sheffield Tigers on Monday.
Witches will be looking to maintain form in their next meet away against Belle Vue on Monday.
Words by Freya Taylor.
Images by Taylor Lanning.