MARK Loram scooped the two main awards at the Ipswich Evening Star Witches' presentation night at the Elizabeth Hotel, Copdock on Friday.Loram was Supporters' Club Rider of the Season and also Evening Star readers' Rider of the Season, and picked up both trophies.

By Mike Bacon

MARK Loram scooped the two main awards at the Ipswich Evening Star Witches' presentation night at the Elizabeth Hotel, Copdock on Friday.

Loram was Supporters' Club Rider of the Season and also Evening Star readers' Rider of the Season, and picked up both trophies.

Kim Jansson was Bonus Points King and Mr Entertainer, while Danny King was voted most improved rider. There was also a lifetime achievement award presented to former Witch Bert Edwards.

Once again the night was a grand success, with Loram and Witches reserves Tobi Kroner and Carl Wilkinson donating signed crash helmets and body colours towards the Toni Svab appeal.

Svab, a former Witch, was badly injured in a crash in Argentina earlier this year and the items raised more than £300.

Witches captain Chris Louis told the 200-plus audience he was disappointed with the way the season had panned out for the side for the second year in succession. And it was something he and the management hoped to address in 2007.

Meanwhile Arena Essex have a new promoter. After weeks of negotiations the Hammers will be under new ownership for the 2007 season as Ronnie Russell has sold the club to former sponsor Stuart Douglas.

In a surprise announcement made at club's end of season dinner, Russell explained that he felt it was in the best interests of the club for him to hand over the reins to Douglas.

Douglas, owner of Duggo 7, Hammers main sponsor in 2006, said: “I know it has been a difficult decision for Ronnie to make but I am very excited by the prospect of taking the club to a new level.”