21 July 2010
Posted in
Ipswich Witches
Not a great month so far for Danny in terms of team and personal performances, as his Ipswich side have continued their struggle in the Sky Sports Elite League and meetings abroad remain limited. What he has had have this season in Sweden and Poland have been confined to riding away against tough opposition rather than been given the chance to build any confidence at either the Vargarna or Poznan home circuits.
Danny was in action on the very first day of July at one of his least fruitful tracks over the years, at the Abbey Stadium, Swindon. The Witches succumbed to a 36-56 defeat against the Robins as the Wiltshire side continued their push for a late play-off spot. Danny scored five paid six points (2,1’,1,1) on what is always a very tough circuit for a visiting rider. Things got worse the following week when Ipswich travelled once again to Monmore Green to the home of the Elite League champions Wolverhampton as Danny struggled to find any sort of momentum in his riding or gating scoring just three points (0,2,1,0) in a 39-54 defeat against the Wolves. Frustratingly this is a track where Danny has ridden well over the years and has twice qualified as reserve for the British Grand Prix following strong performances in British Final appearances. He will be frustrated that he didn’t do better for himself and his teammates but the best reply possible would be a strong performance at Foxhall in the return.
Witches fans certainly got a strong performance but yet again a frustrating one and yet again a narrow defeat as Ipswich went down 44-46 on Thursday 8th July. Danny managed a more improved score than of late but still below his high Foxhall standard that he has set himself in 2010, as eight points (1,2,2,3) wasn’t enough to earn him a nominated ride in Heat 15. Ipswich have been so close on many occasions this season and if most of the two-three point defeats had been turned into victories then the wooden spoon position in the league table would be a distant thought rather than a looming reality.
· Danny had an enjoyable practice on the Friday of the British GP at Cardiff and looked pensive but ready for action on the parade on the big night. Unfortunately for his, it was a night of little misfortunate for the GP stars in terms of two minute and tapes exclusions and neither him nor Ben Barker got a ride on the night. A good experience for Danny however, ands a taste of what he hopes to be able to qualify for outright in years to come.
· Danny also rode at Rospiggarna in Sweden on Tuesday 6th July as his Vargarna Wolves team were victorious by 54-42 against the bottom side in the Elitserien. Danny managed four plus one bonus point from four rides in front of a crowd of 2,548 at Hallstavik which is situated on the East Coast above Stockholm.
· Look out on this website for further action photos from Cardiff, Ipswich v Wolves and also an insight into Danny in full flow in his workshop ahead of this Thursday’s (22nd) meeting against top of the table Poole Pirates at Foxhall (7.30pm).