IPSWICH Evening Star Witches new boy Rory Schlein has every reason to celebrate in tonight's Elite League fixture against Wolverhampton at Foxhall Stadium (start 7.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Evening Star Witches new boy Rory Schlein has every reason to celebrate in tonight's Elite League fixture against Wolverhampton at Foxhall Stadium (start 7.30pm).

The 23-year-old Australian will be making his home Witches debut after signing on loan from Coventry until the rest of the season - and also commemorating the birth of daughter Roxy-Lee.

Schlein has replaced Chris Louis in the Ipswich side, and he made an immediate impact when he helped his new side win at Eastbourne on Saturday.

“My partner Natalie gave birth last week and we are getting used to the sleepless nights,” said Schlein.

“She is a bonny baby and in fine shape. It is great to be safety installed in the Ipswich team after the debacle that took place at Coventry. I am not looking beyond the next two months, but in that time I have plenty of ambition.

“To win a league medal with Ipswich is top of my list, and knowing the Ipswich boys and how good they are I am convinced we can give the current top two a real run for their money.”

Schlein, who was due to ride in the Elite League Riders' championship at Birmingham last night representing Ipswich along with Piotr Swiderski, won the Elite League title last year with Coventry.

He also knows what it takes and also that it will be tough against the Wolves tonight. “They have Niels-Kristian Iversen on fire right now so it will not be easy,” added Schlein.

“But we are in the mood to score well and I am happy with the way I get away from the tapes at Foxhall. And I can also find a way to the front at the track as well.”

Ipswich are programmed to be at full strength with Louis saying: “We are in the business now of chasing the top two - Poole and Lakeside.

“We are realistic and know that it won't be easy, but a win against Wolves will add to the pressure we intend to put on the top two.”

The top-four finishers qualify for the play-offs with the top two at home in one-legged semi-finals.

The final will be decided by a two-legged final. Wolves are currently bottom of the table and will want to escape having to compete in the relegation play-off.

They include former Witch Jesper B Monberg (formerly Jensen) in their side and in Iversen, Fredrik Lindgren and David Howe have other riders who can also race well round Foxhall. Monberg took a blow on the head in a meeting on Monday, but should be fit tonight.

IPSWICH Speedway Supporters Club is holding a BBQ at the White Horse, Sibton on Sunday starting at 3pm.

Tickets, to cover the cost of food, are available at £6 for adults and £4 for children under 16 in advance. On the day they will cost £1 more. With a marquee this will be an 'all-weather' event!

Riders and Witches management will hopefully be in attendance - with a quiz and raffle planned.

The club is running a coach to the Witches Elite League meeting at Coventry on Monday, departing the Holiday Inn at Ipswich at 12.45pm. The cost is £18 for adult members, and £21 for non-members. Junior Witches can travel for £7. To book for either event telephone Adam Collacott on 07887 640533.