Ritchings looking to push on after promising Ipswich Witches debut

Darryl Ritchings pictured at the Ipswich Witches Studio Shoot at Ipswich Sports Club, Ipswich, Suffolk, UK on 09 March 2016. Picture: Steve Waller (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

The Witches got their season off to a tepid start with defeat against Scunthorpe on the Heath two weeks ago.

But after a morale-boosting draw at Scunthorpe, they now look forward to entertaining Sheffield at Foxhall on Saturday night.

“Scunthorpe was tough, definitely a hard meeting, but it was my first-ever meeting at Foxhall so it was nice to get that out the way,” Ritchings said.

“I thought I did okay, I like the track a lot and maybe I could have scored a few more than I did but I couldn’t get out of the starts.

“It was great to finally get riding in the Premier League although obviously we would have rather won, but we’ll get them back later in the season.”

Ritchings looked steady enough on his debut at Foxhall and on Good Friday impressed for his National League side Birmingham, with a paid 15.

“It’s a big opportunity for me in the Premier League and I’m really happy to have been given it at Ipswich.

“It’s the next step for me and now I’ve started I just want a little bit more.”

The Witches haven’t seen competitive action since March 20 and that draw at Scunthorpe.

But they have a Saturday night date with the Tigers from Sheffield and it will be a tough test.

Sheffield have already won at Scunthorpe and top the midland section League Cup group.

In Simon Stead they have one of the Premier League’s top performers.

He is hoping to race after suffering concussion two weeks ago.

The Witches will be without Lewis Kerr, who is riding for Lakeside in the Elite League.

Rider replacement will be used to cover his rides, meaning all but Danny King will be able to take an extra ride.

With the Witches Premier League season starting at Rye House on Saturday week, the Foxhall management will be looking for a morale-boosting performance on Saturday.