WHEN Ipswich Evening Star Witches rider/manager Chris Louis picked out German Tobi Kroner as a star of the future he was on a winner.

Elvin King

By ELVIN KING

elvin.king@archant.co.uk

WHEN Ipswich Evening Star Witches rider/manager Chris Louis picked out German Tobi Kroner as a star of the future he was on a winner.

Since the 22-year-old made his debut for the Foxhall Stadium-based club half-way through the 2006 season, he has made startling progress.

And to such an extent that he finds himself second in the Witches averages going into tomorrow (THUR) night's home Elite League meeting with Eastbourne Eagles.

Kroner's highly professional approach has endured him to Ipswich shale fans and he finds himself moving up from a reserve berth to take over the vital number three race jacket against the south coast-based club.

A long line of consistent performances has seen Kroner's average climb to 6.38 (up from 4.89), which is beaten only by the stricken Louis in the new green sheet averages that come into force tomorrow.

Kroner is now capable of competing against the 'big boys' in the Elite League although he will find it tougher than a reserve position that has seen him win heat two every meeting on the heath this season.

Following their absence in a couple of meetings Jarek Hampel and the in-form Piotr Swiderski have their new averages delayed along with the injured Louis - and all three will be programmed still on their original 2008 average.

This sees Swiderski drop to reserve where he can be a real trump card with Hampel staying at number five.

After struggling to find his top form at number one, Robert Miskowiak moves to number two tomorrow where he will fancy claiming three points in heat eight as well as a considerable haul in his other races.

Louis (7.10 average) will be urging on his team from the sidelines as he recovers from a broken arm, with the Witches again using the rider replacement facility to cover for him and every rider eligible for an extra ride.

Acting skipper Steve Johnston will ride at number four and partner Swiderski in the penultimate race.