Battling Bandits cast a spell over Witches in KO Cup

The Bandits had won the first leg by four points, and there were many in the sport who were predicting it was not a big enough lead to take to East Anglia for the return leg.

But despite going down 46-44 on the night they managed to win through 91-89 on aggregate, setting up a second round clash with Rye House.

Former Witch Kevin Doolan won three of his races in a meeting which was close throughout, whilst reserve guest Ashley Morris won two, Ben Barker and Thomas Jorgensen also managed to take the chequered flag for the Borderers, who never let the home side build up a head of steam.

Barker won in heat one before Ipswich took a 5-1 from two to level it up on aggregate, but Doolan won in three and a 1-5 from Morris and Claus Vissing in four saw the visitors back in front at 11-13.

Two home heat advantages saw the tables turned again, but Bandits dug deep and wins by Doolan and Morris saw Bandits lead 23-25 at the interval, although there was a set-back when Hynek Stichauer was withdrawn after only two rides.

Ipswich hit back with a 5-1 after the break and a win for Danny King in ten meant it was all square again overall.

Three drawn heats meant it all went down to the last two races. In 14 Jorgensen and Morris took a 2-4 giving Bandits a two point lead on aggregate, but there was more drama to follow. Ipswich looked as if they were on for a 5-1 which would have given Witches a six point win on the night and victory overall, but Rohan Tungate developed an engine fault and both Barker and Doolan passed him on the last lap to give Bandits victory by the narrowest of margins.

Ipswich: King 11, Covatti 10+2, Tungate 10+1, Manzares 6, Hawkins 5+1, Nielsen 4.

Berwick: Doolan 12+1, Barker 10+1, Morris 9+1, Vissing 7+1, Jorgensen 4, Halsey 1, Stichauer 1.