The ‘Tru7.com’ Witches entertain the Redcar Bears at Foxhall this Saturday in a Championship clash (7.30pm).

It has been a busy week for the Witches who visited Peterborough on Monday and Redcar last night.

Kyle Newman is nearing a return to fitness but James Sarjeant continues to deputise at number two whilst Team Manager Ritchie Hawkins decides to stick with Danyon Hume at seven with Connor Mountain at six, as has been the case at Foxhall.

The Bears are likely to provide a stiffer test to the home side than in recent weeks with the all-action Jason Garrity at number one and Foxhall favourite Ben Barker making a return to Suffolk. Sheffield’s Jack Parkinson-Blackburn guests at number seven for the away side with Ellis Perks in action for Rye House.

The Witches have a good record at Foxhall against the Bears, winning the previous five encounters in East Anglia.

Hawkins believes his side are in for a tough test but is hoping they can carry on their good form at Foxhall

“We want to carry on our home form but it will be a tough meeting,” said Hawkins. “Ben and Jason won’t roll over and worry about a bit of grip either, so there should be some exciting racing. It is one of the most exciting top two’s in the league.”

The boss says Barker may have a point to prove but will be welcomed back by the Ipswich fans on Saturday.

“We obviously didn’t leave on bad terms with Ben and it would have been good to have him back in the side as he has been brilliant for Ipswich both years he has been with us.

“It will give him extra motivation but he is loved by the fans at Ipswich and I’m sure he will get a good reception.”

Hawkins had his say on the recent criticism of the Foxhall track saying that although the surface was not perfect some opposing riders did not attack the track like other inexperienced riders on the night.

“You are going to have to deal with all conditions in speedway. The track wasn’t perfect, it was better the first two weeks. When Peterborough’s most inexperienced rider goes out there and scores 11 it doesn’t give the more experienced riders anywhere to go with their complaints.

“The track certainly wasn’t made ‘extra grippy’ because Peterborough were in town, they are not good enough to worry about doing things like that.”

nce again children go free on Saturday night, while the Witches head to Newcastle on Sunday in a Championship clash.

Ipswich ‘Tru7.com’ Witches:

1. Danny King (c) 9.57

2. James Sarjeant 5.66

3. Nico Covatti 7.49

4. Cameron Heeps 5.07

5. Rory Schlein 7.17

6. Connor Mountain 2.00

7. Danyon Hume 2.00

Team Manager: Ritchie Hawkins

Redcar ‘SG Petch’ Bears:

1. Jason Garrity (c) 8.55

2. Coty Garcia 4.26

3. Charles Wright 6.59

4. Jonas B Andersen 6.30

5. Ben Barker 7.91

6. Richard Hall 3.53

7. Jack Parkinson-Blackburn (g) 2.00

Team Manager: Jade Mudgway

Referee: C. Gay

Parade: Saturday, 7.30pm

Venue: Foxhall Stadium, IP4 5TL

Championship Table

Team Pl Pts

Glasgow 4 10

Edinburgh 3 9

Peterborough 4 9

Witches 4 7

Sheffield 4 6

Workington 2 6

Scunthorpe 7 4

Newcastle 2 3

Redcar 1 3

Berwick 5 0

Last five home results v Bears:

04.06.16 W61-32

30.05.15 W65-25

21.05.14 W41-34 (A-A after 12 heats)

10.08.13 W59-31

08.06.12 W46-44

MEANWHILE there is a grasstrack meeting being held at Manor Farm, Gosbeck, near Ipswich on Saturday, April 29, 1.30pm start. IP6 9SH – Uprights and sidecars.