Witches counting the cost of decision

Elvin King

IPSWICH Evening Star Witches are today left counting the possible huge cost of failing to win their case at this week's speedway tribunal over Joel Parsons' inclusion in the Swindon side at Foxhall Stadium last April.

They are aware that it could cost the club around £50,000.

The Witches are still finalising a decision about whether to take their case further by appealing against Monday's decision at ACU headquarters in Rugby that the 50-43 Elite League victory for the Robins stands.

This is despite Premier League rider Parsons having an official average that was too high for him to come in as a guest.

These appeals are not cheap and if Ipswich employ a barrister next time the cost would escalate considerably.

But against this they must consider the scenario of missing out on a top two position by three points or less to Swindon.

This would cost them a huge sum with the two likely home play-offs meetings accruing around £50,000.

If the case is eventually found in Ipswich's favour Swindon would lose two points and Ipswich would gain one for the draw as Parsons notched seven points.

Ipswich promoter John Louis' love of the sport he has served so well over the last 40 years precludes him from being too scathing - in print in any case.

But quietly he admits to having come away from the tribunal feeling as though Ipswich were the guilty party.

“I am still reeling after coming away feeling as though it was us that tracked an over-strength side,” said Louis.

“It made us feel as though we were guilty.

“We were the ones who were interrogated and the ones who were cross-examined.

“We are looking at making a further appeal and will be deciding on this soon.”

Tonight the Witches ride only their second home meeting since May 22 when they entertain Peterborough for the third time this season. The meeting starts at Foxhall Stadium at 7.30pm.