The Ipswich ‘Tru7 Group’ Witches extended their lead at the top of the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership with a 50-40 win against Sheffield on Monday night at Foxhall.

The hosts had Chris Harris and Scott Nicholls guesting for the injured duo of Jason Doyle and Danny King, whilst the visitors were at full strength for this top of the table clash.

Ipswich were in pole position to take the aggregate bonus point having won 46-44 at Owlerton but, after a maximum to the Tigers in heat one, it looked like it was going to be a tough night.

However, the table-topping Witches dusted themselves down and levelled immediately before consistently adding heat advantages throughout the night and sealing the deal with a race to spare. Keynan Rew top scored with 10.

Team manager Ritchie Hawkins said: “It was a brilliant night, and I am delighted with the result. Massive credit to the track staff again, the track was under water this morning and we have had showers throughout the day, but they managed to get the meeting on with no bother on the track at all. The team were solid throughout and every one of them contributed with a paid win.

“The results are brilliant, and everything is going great on the track. You would think there will come a point where it might catch up with us with all the injury problems we have had, but we have got people coming back in and it feels a bit like we are through the worst of it.

"With the results and performances and how everyone has done you wouldn’t know all the issues we have had with rider availability, and I am delighted with the boys. The atmosphere and team spirit are amazing and that is what is helping us get through what should be a really tough period.

“We are all covering each other. Jordan (Jenkins) is improving week after week and contributing valuable points. Dan (Thompson) has clearly got some aftereffects from his virus, which I’m sure everyone can relate to. He was tired but that race in heat 10, so to come out after a couple of tough rides and win shows so much about his character.

“Keynan has stepped it up a level or two in recent weeks and Adam (Ellis) was superb tonight. That leaves you with Emil (Sayfutdinov) and two good guests tonight, so when you go out on track knowing all seven riders are capable of winning races, it is a massive bonus to me.”

The Witches now travel to Oxford to take on the Spires on Thursday in another ROWE Motor Oil Premiership clash.

IPSWICH 50: Chris Harris (G) 7, Dan Thompson (RS) 3, Scott Nicholls (G) 9+1 Adam Ellis 8+3, Emil Sayfutdinov © 9, Keynan Rew 10, Jordan Jenkins 4+2. Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

SHEFFIELD 40: Jack Holder 11, Kyle Howarth © 6+1, Chris Holder 5, Josh Pickering 3, Tai Woffinden 10+1, Jason Edwards 1, Dan Gilkes (RS) 4. Team Manager: Simon Stead

REFEREE: C. Gay