Ipswich Witches’ teenage star Adam Ellis admits he only has himself to blame for not picking up the British Under-21 title at Wolverhampton on Tuesday night.

The 18-year-old flyer finished runner-up to Mildenhall’s Josh Bates in a final that was re-run three times. And although it was a tremendous performance from a rider who only took up the sport two years ago, Ellis feels he should have won.

“I’m pretty gutted to be honest,” he said.

“I was so sure I could win it. The heats went well and I had first choice of gates in the final.

“I chose gate two, when I should really have chosen gate one I suppose.

“You live and learn though and well done to Josh Bates, he was flying all night and deserved the victory and I’m happy he won it as he started the sport not much before I did.”

Ellis has made a fine start to the new season for both Ipswich and his parent club who own his contract, Lakeside Hammers.

Sadly for ‘Sackers’ Witches fans Ellis will be missing from the big Good Friday double header with Peterborough Panthers, as he is required by the Hammers for a similar double header in the Elite League against Eastbourne Eagles.

“I’m disappointed about missing the Witches clash, but I can’t be in two places at once,” Ellis said.

“The season has gone well for me, but being with two great clubs like Ipswich and Lakeside is helping. And riding the tight lines around Lakeside is certainly helping.”

Missing at Plymouth last Friday night – again because of a clash with Lakeside – Ellis was delighted his Witches team-mates picked up maximum points against the Devils in Devon. And he is confident they can win both clashes against the Panthers tomorrow.

“We have a great team spirit this year at Ipswich. Cameron Heeps and Gino Manzares came to Wolverhampton with me on Tuesday to offer their help,” he said.

“The whole team is riding well and I must admit when I heard the boys were at Plymouth without me and Ritchie Hawkins who was unwell, I feared the worst.

“But they won there. And we can get the results we want off Peterborough too.”