Ipswich ‘Tru Mix’ Witches promoter Chris Louis declared pride in his riders after they were pipped to the Premiership title by a 'pick 'n' mix' Sheffield Tigers side last night.

The Witches, already crowned Knockout Cup champions, took an 18-point lead into the Play-off Final second leg in South Yorkshire. A Sheffield side containing three guests overturned the tie with a 56-34 win though. 

“A few things have happened in the last few weeks and have been said which have been a bit disappointing and disillusioning, but I was very proud to watch Ritchie (Hawkins) take the one to seven from press day through to a Play-Off Final via a Knockout Cup victory," said Louis.

"Every single one of them wore the Witch with pride and I am also proud to have the best fans and biggest support in the country.

East Anglian Daily Times: Emil Sayfutdinov consoles Danny King after the meeting.Emil Sayfutdinov consoles Danny King after the meeting. (Image: Steve Waller)

“I’m obviously disappointed we couldn’t get the double over the line against a sort of pick 'n' mix Sheffield side with one remaining rider in Kyle Howarth. He must be quite proud to have survived it!

"The focus for me is on our team and what they achieved because they achieved a lot, and they did it as a team.

“I wouldn’t say the track was difficult, there was a period after the second break I think it was where the rain came down harder and, yes, the track did get slippery, but the track stood up fine. I certainly wouldn’t use the track as an excuse for us not winning the tie overall.

"You can’t afford to start the way we started in a tie like that because it gets your heads down and the opposition’s heads up and we paid for that in the end. I was so proud of how the whole team fought and didn’t give in, having gone behind in the tie.

“I was gutted for Jason (Doyle) that he felt that he let the team down by running a last in heat 15 when he is a massive part of the reason why we are there in the first place. He can hold his head high and be proud of what he has done for the club in the last couple of years. I was gutted for him as it wasn’t the way I wanted to see his season end and he has absolutely no blame whatsoever.

East Anglian Daily Times: Witches riders pictured after losing out at Sheffield.Witches riders pictured after losing out at Sheffield. (Image: Steve Waller)

“I’m positive about the team we have had and the way we have stuck together as a team and the way we battled in the final. I think people will draw their own conclusions from the tie overall but the emphasis for me is on what we achieved and how we did it.”