Photo by Ian Charles: Max Fricke (Red) clashes with Hans Andersen (Yellow) Belle Vue Aces v Peterborough Panthers, National Speedway Stadium, Manchester, Wednesday, 10, April, 2019

Ipswich proved they were up to the challenge of life in the Premiership with an emphatic 52-38 win over Belle Vue on Thursday, but the Rentruck Aces have vowed to bounce back with a vengeance.

It was a promising start for the visitors at Foxhall, who opened the night with a fabulous 5-1 courtesy of skipper Max Fricke and Steve Worrall before their hosts bit back to level the score in Heat 2.

The difference was at reserve for the Tru Plant Witches, with No.6 Cameron Heeps top-scoring with 12+1 while Aces duo Dimitri Bergé and Jaimon Lidsey struggled to get to grips with the new territory.

Club No.5 Kenneth Bjerre was stupendous for the Rentruck Aces, dropping just 2 points from six appearances, while Worrall surged back to form with a solid 9+2 to complement Bjerre’s 16.

Despite the frustrating result, team boss Mark Lemon is not concerned by early-season teething troubles, saying: “We’re not about to throw in the towel after one meeting. This is only one of many.

“Of course, it’s frustrating. We came here targeting points, but Ipswich are very strong around their home track and unfortunately the result didn’t swing the way we wanted it to. It’s hard to take.

“But it wasn’t from lack of trying. The boys were working overtime to keep our chances alive. Kenneth was unbelievably quick, and it was great to see Stevie getting back into his rhythm.

“Dimitri and Jaimon were struggling with set-ups. Neither of them has seen this track before and going up against a reserve like Cameron Heeps was challenging. But I’m not concerned at this stage.

“We know accumulating points on the road is key to the play offs, and we’ll be much better prepared the next time we come here. We’ve got to put this behind us now and focus on Monday.”

Words: Hayley Bromley
Images: Ian Charles

The Rentruck Aces will seek redemption on Easter Monday, April 22 when they face Wolverhampton in Manchester in the Premiership Supporters’ Cup. Tapes up at the earlier time of 12:00pm.

The Cool Running Colts kick off the bank holiday weekend at the National Speedway Stadium tomorrow, Good Friday with National League action against the Stoke Potters. Tapes up at 1:00pm.

Tickets for both home meetings are available at the stadium box office on race day, or online at www.bellevue-speedway.com.

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