Ipswich Witches are through to the Premiership play-off grand final after a dramatic last-heat victory at champions Belle Vue last night.

The Foxhall side are now gunning for a League and Cup double, after winning the KO Cup two weeks ago.

The Witches held an 18-point lead going into last night’s second leg at the National Speedway Stadium, in Manchester – and by heat four had stretched that lead to 22 points.

However, the Aces struck back hard and, as the riders went into the final race, the Witches were only two points ahead.


But Ipswich’s top guns, Emil Sayfutdinov and Jason Doyle, struck gold for the Foxhall side in a stunning race that saw them both come from behind to pass the Belle Vue duo of Brady Kurtz and Dan Bewley to secure a 5-1 maximum, the 39-51 defeat enough to see the Suffolk side through.

Ipswich team boss Ritchie Hawkins said; “It was fitting that it came down to our top two to do the business in heat 15. It was a phenomenal effort and it is hard to put into words how I feel.

“There was massive pressure on them. Belle Vue were right back in it, had the favoured gates, but that’s why they are two of the best riders in the world. It’s what they live for.”

The Witches will now race against either Sheffield or Wolverhampton next week in the Premiership grand final – with Sheffield favourites after their first leg 10-point win at Wolves last night.

East Anglian Daily Times: Jason Doyle, yellow, and Emil Sayfutdinov go over the line at Belle Vue in the last heat as the Witches make the Premiership final. Jason Doyle, yellow, and Emil Sayfutdinov go over the line at Belle Vue in the last heat as the Witches make the Premiership final. (Image: Taylor Lanning)
“The season is coming to the most brilliant climax for us,” Witches owner Chris Louis said.

“The KO Cup is already in the trophy cabinet, now we want the double. This is not just all for the riders, but for our brilliant fans who have come out in their numbers all season to support us.

“It was a superb effort at Belle Vue, but we now go again.”

BELLE VUE 51: Brady Kurtz (c) 10+1, Tom Brennan 7, Jaimon Lidsey 11+1, Charles Wright R/R, Dan Bewley 10+1, Norick Blödorn 10+1, Connor Bailey (RS) 3+2. Team Manager: Mark Lemon

IPSWICH 39: Emil Sayfutdinov 11, Erik Riss 0, Danny King (c) 8+1, Danyon Hume 2, Jason Doyle 9+1, Keynan Rew 7+1, Jack Smith (G) (RS) 2. Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins