Witches rocked as Ward get the big NO NO

Mike Bacon

IPSWICH Witches have been rocked by the news they will not be able to use young Aussie Darcy Ward in any capacity.

The teenage sensation from Down Under, was set to originally double-up with the Witches after joining Kings' Lynn in the Premier League in 2009.

But when that seemed it may come unstuck, Ipswich at least hoped to be able to use him as their No.8.

However the new rule book is out and the bottom line is, if a rider doesn't have a 2008 average, he cannot double up or be a No.8. And that includes Ward who is in his debut season in 2009.

“We are disappointed of course we are,” said Witches manager Pete Simmons.

“But it's a new rule, put into the rule book this season and there's nothing we can do about it. When we agreed to have Darcy, the rules were fine, but they have been changed now.

“So we must move on.”

Simmons has been in contact with the Witches riders ahead of the season opening fixture on March 19 against Lakeside at Foxhall.

And although knowing they all have a big role to play, he picks out Daniel King as a rider who could really make an impact in 2009.

“I think Danny will surprise a lot of people at Foxhall,” Simmons added.

“He has had a couple of seasons away and, like Scott Nicholls did a few years ago when he went to Poole for two years, Danny is a different rider today.

“If he nails down that third heat leader position solidly, then with Piotr (Swiderski) and Jarek (Hampel) that's a strong heat leader trio.”

The Witches, as they were last season, are sixth favourites with many bookies in the nine-strong Elite League.

It's a situation that won't worry them, but Simmons wants as high a finish as possible in the table.

“Six teams go into the play-offs this season, but the higher you finish, the more advantage you have, including having a points start over your opponents.

“We finished fourth last season. I want more than that this season.”