PREVIEW: Eagles prepare for clash with Aces
This weekend sees Ipswich travel to current champions Wednesfield knowing that they will need a near faultless display to leave Ashmore Park with the league points on offer.
Ipswich produced one of the greatest comebacks in Elite League history when they beat Wednesfield at Whitton raceway earlier in the season, turning round a 13 point deficit to win by 3 points in a last heat decider.
Wednesfield will be without ‘Mr Wednesfield’, Lee Aris, who is unfortunately nursing a back problem which will keep him out of action for up to 12 weeks, including the European championships next weekend.
Apart from Lee, the Aces should have a full squad to pick from with Paul Heard and Ben Mould leading the line, and they should have solid backing from the likes of England internationals Matt Smith, Brandon Whetton and Chris Jewkes.
We could also see appearances from the likes of Mikey Hewitson and Nicky Evans, while Mark Griffiths could be in contention with the experienced vet showing no signs of slowing down in recent years.
For Ipswich, they should have a similar line up to the one that beat Coventry last time out. Led by Aussie superstar Cody Chadwick, who’s infectious love for the sport has reinvigorated the Ipswich youngsters, the Suffolk outfit have become a much more hardened and complete team with riders willing to sacrifice personal glory for the greater good.
England international Josh Brooke is scoring well and Charlie Rumbold looks to be getting the form back that helped him dominate the British Under 19s last year.
Jamie Chittock, Leon Mower and Ash Hill have been mainstays this year and the team could be completed with any of Ipswich’s able juniors, with Matt Hill, Richie Fellgett and Dan Knights all proven at this level.
It should be an eventful and action packed afternoon of racing, with both teams knowing a loss will spell the end of their title aspirations for another year. With so much on the line, expect fireworks.