Speedway: East Anglian derby postponed
King's Lynn say they can't field a competitive team for the fixture
The East Anglian derby between King's Lynn and Ipswich has been postponed.
King's Lynn announced the news, saying they've been left in a situation where they are unable to field a competitive team for the fixture.
As a result, they applied to British Speedway Promoters’ Ltd for a postponement, with a rescheduled date of Monday September 4, which has been reluctantly accepted.
Stars captain Nicolai Klindt suffered season-ending injuries in a crash in Poland last Thursday, with Thomas Jorgensen also on the long-term injured list.
The only Premiership club not in action on Thursday are Belle Vue, who have no riders available to guest.
In addition there is no availability of Championship heat-leaders.
The club had agreed a deal to sign Ben Barker as a replacement for Jorgensen, only for him to suffer a broken collarbone at Plymouth on Tuesday.
Premiership CEO Phil Morris said: “We understand King’s Lynn’s circumstances but we also understand the inconvenience to Ipswich, who naturally need to get this fixture raced, and to the supporters of both clubs.
“We discussed the situation in great detail before reluctantly agreeing to the postponement, and there will be sanctions for King’s Lynn which they are fully aware of.
“The new date has been arranged and there are several other alternatives available that week should the weather intervene.
“Ipswich have been given the full assurance that this fixture will take place before the play-offs.”
The Witches released a statement on their website: "We apologise to our supporters who had made plans to travel and support the team but the matter is out of our control as a club."