Ritchie Hawkins says his Ipswich Witches are finding their feet as they prepare to face Somerset Rebels

The Witches host Somerset this evening in their first home Premier League meeting of the season, having won two of their three cup clashes at Foxhall but losing their only league fixture to date, away at Rye House.

Hawkins was pleased with the performance of his middle order in the win over Sheffield on Saturday night, with the Witches boss believing his side are starting to find their feet.

“It’s been a good settling in period now with the League Cup,” said Hawkins.

“The boys have improved throughout that competition but I feel ready to start the Premier League now and the boys are ready and we’ll see how we do on Thursday.”

“On Saturday Danny (King) and Lewi (Kerr) didn’t have great nights but it didn’t matter as much and didn’t have as big an effect on us as the reserves chipped in with a few points as well and Sarj (James Sarjeant) was brilliant from number two, so it shows we’ve got to get points from everywhere and not just the top four.

“Obviously a winning team will be strong at home but there is a lot of points to be picked up away from home, more than at home so we’ve got to go to Somerset on Friday and score points as well.”

The Rebels have started the new campaign well with a big win at Peterborough but Hawkins says it will be totally different in Suffolk on Thursday.

“They (Somerset) had a real good win at Peterborough, their tracks are quite similar but it will be a totally different story coming to our place this week. I wouldn’t say they look as strong on paper but they are doing well and they’ll be a strong team at home.”

Witches: 1. Danny King (c) 9.54; 2. James Sarjeant 4.88; 3. Lewis Kerr 6.85; 4. Morten Risager 6.86; 5. Nico Covatti 7.55; 6. Paco Castagna 3.33; 7. Darryl Ritchings 3.00.

Rebels: 1. Josh Grajczonek 8.50 (c); 2. Jake Allen 5.00; 3. Charles Wright 6.89; 4. Paul Starke 6.00; 5. Rohan Tungate 7.74; 6. Bradley Wilson-Dean 5.00; 7. Zach Wajtknecht 3.00.