Event: 3rd July 2011
Report: George Solomon.
Ipswich took their first victory of the season on Sunday over East Newport, winning 96-78 to avenge the defeat that East Newport had put over them in the first match of the season. Ipswich were too strong for the Welsh side and were always in relative control, leading by nine points at half time and extending that to 18 by the end.
Ben Mould was in unbeatable form for the visitors, but wasn’t backed up by his team mates, whilst various riders excelled for Ipswich, Jason Barker and Jamie Chittock looking particularly impressive considering their relative inexperience.
Sticking to the ‘five-fives from the outs’ and ‘six-fours from the ins’ mentality, Ipswich always looked in control and so it proved, as they eradicated the silly mistakes that have cost them dear regularly this season and took their chances when they presented themselves.
There were several good battles on the track, Jordan Stant and Cory Jones battling hard in the first half, with the Newport rider coming out on top after swapping positions several times during the four laps. Unfortunately, Jones wasn’t able to continue after that race and it was left to fellow reserve rider Rob Absalom to take his rides. Leon Mower was, as ever, getting stuck in and making several passes, leaving referee Mike Legge with a few tough decisions, which he coped well with.
In the second half, despite a stronger start, East Newport’s challenge faded and claiming the inside gates saved them from a larger deficit of defeat. But today was Ipswich’s day as they got themselves two valuable points on the table – and go to Sandwell in three weeks with a spring in their step.
Results
Ipswich 96: J Stant 10, J Brooke 15, J Barker 14, L Mower 10, J Chittock 17, D Pike 9, A Hill 7, G Solomon 14.
East Newport 78: A Herbert 11, A Hughes 11, N Evans 12, D Bock 7, B Mould 20, C Davies 8, C Jones 2, R Absalom 7.
Combination Match
Ipswich 77: J Mason 8, L Roberts 15, C Rumbold 14, M Hill 11, W Clarke 7, L Jacobs 11, R Fellgett 11.
East Newport 47: S Bendon 8, J Cutler 5, N Greenslade 14, J Davis 5, Colin Wildy 9, M Davies 6.