Heeps hoping to help put Witches back on track

IPSWICH ‘Sackers’ Witches reserve Cameron Heeps is hoping to shake off a virus to help his side get back to winning ways.

The Suffolk team face two tough Premier League away meetings – at Berwick tonight and Newcastle tomorrow – and all on the back of a home defeat to the Diamonds on Thursday night.

Heeps hasn’t been in the best of health this week and produced one of his lowest scores for the Witches so far this season on Thursday night.

But he’s determined to put that right this weekend.

“I’ve had a good season up until Thursday night to be honest,” Heeps said.

“I’ve been under the weather all week, but the Newcastle defeat has made me more determined to put things right.

“We’ve got to put the Newcastle defeat behind us and go and get points.”

Tonight Berwick include the Premier League’s form rider, Craig Cook, as a guest for Edward Kennett, who is racing in a GP qualifier.

“Cookie is with Edinburgh Monarchs, of course, but on Saturday night he’s a Bandit,” confirmed Berwick director George Hepburn.

“Ipswich are a tough, fast-starting team, but I believe we’ll have the beating of them.

Berwick: 1. Craig Cook, 2. David Bellego, 3. Robin Aspegren, 4. Matty Wethers, 5. Kozza Smith (captain), 6. Paul Starke, 7. Nicki Barrett.

Ipswich: 1. Ben Barker, 2. Ritchie Hawkins, 3. Rohan Tungate, 4. Morten Risager, 5. Leigh Lanham, 6. Adam Ellis, 7. Cameron Heeps.

At Newcastle tomorrow night, both teams are the same as rode at Ipswich on Thursday

Ritchie Hawkins has agreed to stay with the Witches for the rest of the season.

The Peterborough-based rider, who is also a retained fireman and is studying to enter the service full-time, took over from Jari Makinen after the Finn’s form dropped.

Initially for six weeks, Hawkins has decided he will commit to the season.

“I’m glad I could do a deal with Chris (Louis),” he said.

“Initially I did only want to do six weeks or so, but now I’m looking forward to the season ahead”