IPSWICH cemented their place at the top of the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership with the biggest win of the season.
The Witches demolished the Lions at Foxhall gaining an incredible 60-30 victory on Thursday night.
All members of the home side scored at least paid eight with Emil Sayfutdinov scoring 11+2 and guest Scott Nicholls, 11 both leading the way to victory.
Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins said: “Another great night, our biggest victory of the year against a very tough Leicester side.
“We dealt with them superbly, every rider contributed again, every rider is improving, race wins everywhere and a lot of 5-1s!
“The track was heavy early on, a lot of dirt and we certainly dealt with it better.
“That was where the big difference was I think, but if Leicester click as a side, they’re going to be a super strong threat against anyone.
“It’s great to get early points on the board against them, but I think they’re only going to improve during the year.”
After conceding an opening heat 5-1, the home side dominated the proceedings thereafter.
For the Lions, it wasn’t quite so successful a night, with Craig Cook having to be withdrawn after Heat 6 with neck pains.
But Richard Lawson scored an impressive 13 points, making up nearly half of the Lions’ total on his own.
Lions boss Stewart Dickson said: “I never expected this Leicester team to be only scoring 30 points at any track, regardless of who the opposition are.
“We’ve been to Ipswich before and given them a closer match, as have other teams, and there were a couple of really disappointing performances.
“We can’t accept that performance, and I must apologise to the Leicester fans who made the trip to support us.
“We all need to help each other, myself and the riders, and we need to show a reaction.”
Leicester Lions will be looking for a comeback in the next race away against Belle Vue Aces on Monday.
Ipswich Witches will face Oxford Spires next Thursday at Foxhall.
Words by Freya Taylor.
Images by Taylor Lanning.