MATCH REPORT: Whirlwinds blow away Stars

Ipswich Whirlwinds made it seven out of seven with a controlled and measured performance today against a spirited Norwich team that never gave up.

Whirlwinds were able to rest  the likes of Mower and Brooke, allowing young starlet Harrison Bacon to take the stage for his second outing and the evergreen Phil Clarke also getting his second run out this season.

Ipswich got off to the perfect start with two 7-3s in the opening heats. This was followed by two shared heats, Norwich took the honours in five with a maximum 7-3 themselves, but the Suffolk unit are not top for nothing and hit back with their third max of the match to stretch their lead back to twelve points.

Half time arrived with the scoreboard showing 51 – 39 in the home team’s favour, the second half saw the home team kill off their opponents in the opening three heats with two 6-4’s and a max 7-3 to open up a twenty point gap. The next three heats were all shared as the home team were content to keep Norwich at bay with sensible team riding. Norwich did claim a second heat advantage in heat sixteen, but only after young Harrison Bacon bravely got inside his bigger and much older opponent Chris Cullum, got his foot locked into his own spokes of his front wheel, thus coming down rather heavily and took no part in the re run. We wish Harrison a quick and speedy recovery with the British under 13s only weeks away.

Norwich to their credit battled for every point and can take heart with performances from the likes of young Dane Parkins who scored an impressive 17 + 1, with dad Alan also chipping in with 15 points of his own. It was also good to see Paddy Wenn back riding after his long lay off and will be back in time for the British Vets Club Championship at Kesgrave. Finally a big thank you to all who helped out this afternoon especially match day referee Paul Roberts for stepping into take charge.

Next up at Whitton Raceway is Elite League action as the Eagles go head to head with the Hammers of Horspath in a top of the table clash looking to get themselves back on track after the lose at Ashmore Park a fortnight ago, knowing a win could open up the title race once more.

Ipswich Whirlwinds 101
Lewis Roberts 21+3 (6), Ben Harvey 21+1 (6), Jamie Chittock 17+2 (5),
Pierce Bacon 16+4(6),  Lauren Jacobs 11+1 (5), Harrison Bacon 10 (5),Phil Clarke 5 (3) .

Norwich Stars 78
Dane Parkins 17+1 (6), Alan Parkins 15 (5), Chris Cullum 12 (5), Jamie Medler 12(6),
Alex Dyball 10 +1(6), Mason Parkins 7+1 (5), Paddy Wenn 4+2 (2), Gary Colby 1 (1) .

Referee Paul Roberts (Suffolk)

Match report by Ipswich Whirlwinds