The Thundercats enjoyed a win in their first home AJL meeting of the season against the Junior Witches.
Following the debate at Ipswich last Thursday regarding R/R there were issues again before this meeting between the clubs when Ipswich seemed to only have 2 riders, no team manager and no racejackets.
Thundercats Team Manager Neil “Nikko” Day explained what happened “The first rider to arrive at the track for Ipswich was Niall Strudwick who was followed by Joe Graver but he informed us that he had no bike. Sean Philips then arrived but we were then informed that Ipswich had no Team Manager for the night. They also at the time had no racejackets. With Martin Knuckey not arriving I spoke to Nialls Dad and offered him Martin Pearce, who was at the EOES with his brother Simon and I agreed that they could then use R/R again. At this point local speedway photographer Jeff Higgott arrived with the Ipswich racejackets and Sam Woods arrived having been called my Ipswich that afternoon asking him to ride for them. Unfortunately they hadn’t informed us so we were not expecting Sam.I felt really sorry for the Ipswich lads who had no idea what was going on but in the end at least we had 4 riders in each team and the meeting could take place”.
Due to a delay in the Elite league meeting due to an injury to Olly Allen time was moving on so the AJL meeting started promptly after the EL victory parade with Sam Woods very unlucky to fall while leading Heat 1.
Heat 2 saw a dominant ride by home captain Ben Holloway followed home by Adam Kirby for a 5-1 and then Ben matched this win, by winning Heat 3 as well.
Heat 4 saw another 5-1 to the Thundercats as Adam Kirby rode to a big win followed by Simon Pearce.
Day continues: “With Sam Woods withdrawing from the meeting at this point and having reached the curfew while getting the bikes ready for Heat 5 I spoke to Niall Strudwicks Dad and we agreed to stop with the result standing. All the lads were disappointed they couldn’t complete their third rides as they all thought the EOES track was tremendous and the Thundercats cannot wait to get back on track for their next home meeting. Ben looked fantastic out there and Adam Kirby showed exactly why I believe he can be an NL rider. That goes for Adam Portwood to and Simon is a absolute pleasure to work with. I must also thank Martin Pearce, I am sure on Ipswichs behalf, for stepping in and also to Pete Seaton who is giving the lads fantastic help with their equipment and we cannot thank him enough”.
The Thundercats next meeting is away at Rye House this Saturday with the next home meeting on the 31st against Kings Lynn.