Ipswich Eagles started the 2016 cycle speedway Elite League at Coventry, welcoming Australian international Cody Chadwick and the returning Dan Pike to the line-up.
Coventry won a tight first half with a 7-3 advantage in heat 4, and a 6-3 after Brooke was excluded for cutting across Jake Read. Ipswich recovered and took the lead in the second half with three heat wins as Coventry had Sassek then Baldock excluded for use of the leg. Myke Grimes became the only rider to take a point off Cody Chadwick in heat 17, diving inside Chadwick on the back straight of the final lap to put Coventry 1 ahead. Heat 18 looked to be a tie until Charlie Rumbold collided with Andy Angell and was excluded for leaving no room to race, the restart handing a 7-2 advantage to Coventry. Coventry made certain with a 5-5 in the first of the two nominated heats.
COVENTRY 100
Myke Grimes 21+2, Bobby McMillan 20, Andy Angell 7+1, Chris Parish 11, Jake Read 10+1, Michal Sassek 16+2, Ben Higham 14, Mike Baldock 1, Mason Phillips 2, Adam Watson DNR.
IPSWICH 94
Jamie Chittock 13+1, Charlie Rumbold 9, Matt Hill 11, Josh Brooke 16, Ashley Hill 12, Cody Chadwick 19+3, Dan Pike 7, Leon Mower 6+1, Ben Harvey DNR, Alex Harvey DNR.
Referee Terry Ashford (Suffolk)
Coventry organised a youth challenge match before the Elite fixture, which was 1-2-3’ed by Ipswich Under 13s Charlie Johnson, Ben Clarke and Gemma Hill.
Ipswich blooded several riders in the reserve match. The youngsters took an early lead and controlled the meeting with close team riding, gaining 9 paid points across the 15 heats. Ben Clarke top scored for the Eagles, shielded and supported by the more experienced Alex Harvey and fast improving Reece Johnson.
COVENTRY RESERVES 68
Dan Drewery 15, Ollie Morris 6, Mason Phillips 16, Matt Lawrence 5+1, Adam Watson 12+1, Bailey Phillips 6, Ben Wells 6, Sammi Marsh 2
IPSWICH RESERVES 82
Ben Harvey 14+2, Charlie Jane Herbert 8+1, Fraser Harris 12+2, Reece Johnson 14+1, Alex Harvey 16+3, Ben Clarke 17, Charlie Johnson 4
Click here for photos from the day.
Ipswich’s next local league action is Sunday from 12:30pm at Whitton Sports and Community Centre, when both the Eagles and Whirlwinds division 1 squads face Hellingly Lions from Eastbourne, and the Whirlwinds also face East London.
On Sunday 17th Ipswich welcome current Elite League champions Wednesfield to Whitton Sports and Community Centre. Tapes up 2pm, admission is free.
The Ipswich, Kesgrave, Great Blakenham and Somersham cycle speedway clubs welcome new riders from age 4 to 84. Contact the clubs through http://www.ipswicheagles.org.uk/ , or on Facebook and Twitter (@IpswichEagles)