MATCH REPORT: Poole win last heat decider

Ipswich lost a tight match in the final heat, damaging their surprise challenge for the 2014 Elite League title.

The first half was very close, Morgan’s exclusion putting Poole behind on 45-44. Heat 13 saw a pile-up in bend 3, Charlie Rumbold dramatically passing Harris on the last lap of the fourth restart. Ipswich then pulled clear with a 7-2 as Smith obstructed Brooke, and Hook was excluded in heat 16.

Ipswich went in to the final heat 3 points clear, facing Harris and Szymanski on the inside grids. Unfortunately the Poole riders gated in to the lead for a masterclass in containing theIpswich riders, and a 7-3 win.

This slip leaves Horspath near-certain Elite League champions for 2014, needing just one win from three fixtures – though the right results will take the title to the last day of the season when Ipswich visit Horspath.

Ipswich Eagles 88
Lewis Roberts 15+2 (5), Josh Brooke 16+1 (5), Jamie Chittock 13+1 (5), Charlie Rumbold 12+1 (5), Richard Fellgett 9 (5), Leon Mower 9+1 (5), Matt Hill 8 (3), Dan Knights 6 (3)

Poole Comets 89
Greg Gluchowski 19 (5), Marcin Szymanski 18+1 (5), Steve Harris 12+1 (5), Arec Szymanski 12+1 (5), Dean Hook 11 (5), Aaron Smith 7 (4), Aaron Morgan 6 (4), Ben Donahue 4 (2)

Ref: Terry Ashford (Suffolk)

Elite Combination result:
Ipswich 58 (54+4)
Ben Harvey 11 (4), Pierce Bacon 9+1 (4), Lauren Jacobs 9 (4), Jordy Stant 8 (4), Fraser Harris 7 (4), Alex Harvey 6 (4), Phil Clarke 4+1 (2)

Poole 74
Jay Briggs 18+2 (5), Hayden Chant 17+1 (5), Ben Donahue 12+1 (4), Lee Armes 12+1 (4), Pete Chant 9+3 (4), Will Bristowe 6 (4)