Wednesfield Aces last lost an Elite League match to Horspath in August 2014, and on paper the Ipswich squad hoped to break that record.
The first half did not go according to plan. Ashley Hill and Cody Chadwick led the first heat when Hill fell blocking Chadwick, leading to a 3-7 reversal. An exclusion to Jamie Chittock in heat 6 led to a 2-7 and Ipswich entered half time 38 to 51 down, their only heat advantage being a 6-4 from Matt Hill and Josh Brooke.
A frank and focused team talk from Dan Pike reset the Eagles, and the second half began with a 4-2 to Charlie Rumbold and Dan Chambers over Wednesfield’s possibly strongest pairing of Paul Heard and Ben Mould. Hill and Chadwick reversed their fortunes with a 7-2 over Heard after Lee Kemp was excluded at the tapes. The points deficit was recovered with an unusual 7-0 when Whetton was excluded at the tapes, then Heard was excluded for crossing the central line and gaining an advantage.
Ipswich went in to the final regular heat with a one point advantage. Matt Hill pulled away comfortably while Lee Aris attempted to ride Charlie Rumbold in to last place. On the final bend Rumbold pulled the move of the season, skidding 160 degrees to line up his bike to accelerate under Aris, taking third and putting Ipswich three points up.
In the first of the two nominated heats Cody Chadwick and Ashley Hill drew 5-5 with Whetton and Griffiths from the outside gates, leaving Wednesfield needing a 7-3 in the final heat. Jamie Chittock then buzzed Heard and Aris long enough to give Josh Brooke an unassailable lead.
IPSWICH EAGLES 99
Cody Chadwick 19+1, Ashley Hill 14, Matt Hill 12, Josh Brooke 20+1, Jamie Chittock 13, Charlie Rumbold 11, Leon Mower 4, Dan Chambers 5, Ben Harvey DNR, Alex Harvey DNR
WEDNESFIELD ACES 96
Brandon Whetton 13+1, Nicky Evans 8, Lee Kemp 7+2, Paul Heard 15, Lee Aris 14, Chris Jewkes 10, Mark Griffiths 11, Ben Mould 18
Referee Shaun Dyball (Norfolk)
Click here for photos from the day
Ipswich’s next match at Whitton Sports and Community Centre is Sunday 24th at 2pm, when the Ipswich Whirlwinds welcome Norwich in South East division 1.
The following week the Ipswich squad travel to Ostrow in Poland for the European Club Championships, a five rider team competition. Ipswich placed fourth in 2014, the only British team to make the final.
Ipswich will be represented by Charlie Rumbold, Cody Chadwick, Leon Mower, Ashley Hill and Richard Fellgett, and managed by coach Les Fellgett.