HE’S been the star of the show Down Under and now Ipswich Witches new-boy, Rohan Tungate, can’t wait to get cracking.

HE’S been the star of the show Down Under and now Ipswich Witches new-boy, Rohan Tungate, can’t wait to get cracking.

Fresh from a superb fifth-placed finish in the Australian Championships – won by GP star Chris Holder – 21-year-old Tungate is now eyeing-up his first-ever crack at a full British season, and his first with Ipswich ‘Sackers’ Witches.

Tungate is one of five Aussies in the Ipswich septet in 2012 – Taylor Poole, Kevin Doolan, Dakota North and Cameron Heeps being the other four – and he is ready to entertain the Foxhall faithful.

“I think we look a pretty good team if you ask me,” Tungate said from his Australian home yesterday.

“I’ve looked at the other sides in the Premier Leauge and we have as good a side as any.

“The move to Ipswich is a big one for me, but I’m looking forward to it. Everyone I talk to here in Oz about Ipswich has nothing but good things to say about them.

“My confidence is high after the Aussie Championships and I can’t wait to start entertaining the public in Ipswich.”

Tungate reached one A final and two B finals on his way to an overall fifth-placed finish in the Championships run over three legs Down Under.

It was a remarkable effort for a rider who will only be riding at reserve for the Witches at the start of the campaign.

“Hopefully I will soon move out of the reserve place,” Tungate added.

“I want to move forward and I want to improve my average.”

Certainly with Heeps and Tungate at reserve, Ipswich fans can look forward to some big scores – home and away – from the talented duo.

Staying with Dakota North over the weekend, Tungate admits North is “really keen”, on his move to Ipswich, as the former Somerset man also looks ahead to lining up for the Witches this year.

And Tungate has one last boost for the Witches public.

While in England last year, he took to the track at many Elite and Premier League circuits, but knows which one he preferred most.

“I’m not just saying this, but I seriously did enjoy the Ipswich track more than any that I rode while I was here,” Tungate added.

The Witches first meeting of the season is on Thursday, March 15.

FINAL Aussie Championship standings (top 10): 1. Chris Holder 60, 2. Davey Watt 53, 3. Cameron Woodward 49, 4. Sam Masters 48, 5. ROHAN TUNGATE 45, 6. Justin Sedgmen 41, 7. TAYLOR POOLE 40, 8. Cory Gathercole 38, 9. Todd Kurtz 29, 10. Jake Anderson 22

n ARE you looking forward to the speedway season? How do you think the Witches will get on? Follow Mike Bacon on Twitter: Mike_Bacon. Or e-mail him: mike.bacon@archant.co.uk