Ipswich Witches director of speedway Chris Louis is hoping Cameron Heeps can take his form at Rye House into the season ahead – starting at Foxhall on Thursday night.

Heeps, 19 was in brilliant form at Hoddesdon on Saturday night – rattling up 15 points in thrilling fashion.

The Aussie teenager signed for the Witches on his 16th birthday and is seen by Louis as an integral part of the club going forward.

Heeps has returned from a winter Down Under in positive shape.

“I’m hoping Cam will be a big plus for us this season,” Louis said.

“His performance at Rye House was brilliant and I want more of that and more often.

“He has come back from a winter back home with a slightly different demeanour. He is growing up of course but it’s his confidence which I really like.”

Louis was generally pleased with the Witches performance at Rye House, despite Nico Covatti not turning up until the first race was under way.

And in Danny King, Louis is appreciating having him back at Foxhall.

“I can see already why I was keen to bring him back at the earliest possible opportunity,” Louis said.

“His preparation for the season has been impeccable, he’s a team man through and through and brings a happy and calm atmosphere to the pits.”

Rye House beat the Witches by three points on Saturday in a close encounter and many of their riders showed up well, especially newcomer Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen.

However, Rockets team boss John Sampford knows his team – who race three meetings in three days starting on Thursday – face a tricky test.

“There’s no doubt that the return match at Ipswich will be just as tough as Saturday’s,” he said.

“But we will certainly go there aiming for a positive result. You’ve got to aim high if you want to achieve.”

The Witches will again be without captain Ritchie Hawkins who is injured, Danny King takes over the captaincy role.

Ipswich: D King, R/R, G Manzares, C Heeps, R Tungate, S Nielsen, N Covatti.

Rye House: E Kennett, R Aspegren, A Mellgren, S Boxall, N Jakobsen, L Bowen, K Lykke.

Mike’s prediction: Witches 53 Rockets 37