Somerset Rebels record 'backs-to-the-wall' win against Ipswich

SOMERSET Rebels have assured themselves of first place in speedway’s Premier League with a 46-44 ‘backs-to-the-wall’ victory over second-placed Ipswich Witches.

Needing a win to guarantee themselves of finishing the regular season at the top of the league table, it was Ipswich who made all the early running, twice holding a six-point advantage. But, on each occasion, the Rebels clawed themselves back into the match before finally taking the lead for the first time in the penultimate heat.

This was followed by a stunning last race win by Somerset’s Josh Grajczonek which saw the Rebels over the line to give them that all-important victory.

Somerset team manager Garry May said: “The boys really wanted to finish the regular league season at the top of the Premier League table and, despite Ipswich really giving it everything, defeat was not an option for us.

“We were on the back foot for virtually the whole match but this is a Rebels side that never knows when it is beaten and they proved that here tonight by pulling victory out of the fire in those final two heats.

“Although finishing the regular season top of the Premier League table does not give us the Championship title, it does give us a timely boost to our confidence as we head into the play-offs which will decide who will be crowned as the 2013 Premier League Championship."

l THE REBELS take on Edinburgh tonight (September 18) at the Oaktree Arena in the first leg of the Premier League Knock-Out Cup semi-final replay, after the sides drew 90-90 on aggregate in the original tie.

After Wednesday’s encounter, the sides reconvene for the second-leg on Friday, in Edinburgh.