Speedway: Ipswich Witches suffer first defeat of the season
They were beaten by reigning champions Belle Vue
Ipswich Witches suffered their first defeat of the season as reigning champions Belle Vue secured a 41-49 win at Foxhall on Thursday.
In a weather-affected meeting, the Witches dropped eight points down after five races.
Witches team manager Ritchie Hawkins reflected on the home defeat:
“We were beaten by the better team on the night, and congratulations to Belle Vue. They turned their early season form around and looked like the champions they are.
"I think for us, you could really see the inexperience we have in the side, that certainly showed today, and the wet conditions really made it even more evident."
Witches sit placed fifth in the early Premiership table, one of four clubs on two points.
Belle Vue’s first points of the season take them into fourth place. Sheffield remain top with a maximum five points from two matches.
Ipswich Witches travel to Leicester on Monday 17th April to take on the Lions at the Pidcock Motorcycles Arena in the second leg of their Knockout Cup tie.