Ipswich Witches play-off hopes finally look over after the Suffolk side lost 50-40 to derby rivals Kings Lynn in Norfolk last night.

Unable to find a guest for the injured Scott Nicholls, the Witches had to rely on the rider replacement facility and this only accrued four points, ultimately costing them the tie.

A skin infection, which has developed in his recently broken ankle, forced Nicholls out of the Great Britain team in last week's World Cup.

Without Nicholls, and also Mark Loram, who suffered whiplash injuries in a frightening crash, in the first round at Sheffield last week, the British team failed to progress further than Thursday's elimination round.

They needed to finish in the top two, but narrowly missed out in the meeting at Peterborough, which was abandoned with two races to go.

Despite still being in with a chance of qualifying, Britain were left with no alternative other than to agree with the decision after torrential rain made racing dangerous.

All the teams had earlier battled on, but when Denmark's Nicki Pedersen reared up and crashed into the fence, there was never any doubt that the racing was over for the night.

Saturday's final at the same East of England venue, produced an exciting finale, which was eventually won by defending champions Australia.

Published Thursday August 15, 2002

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