CHRIS Louis looked ahead to the final of the Knock-Out Cup and said: “We can win it.”The Ipswich rider/manager played his part as the Evening Star Witches beat Arena-Essex 51-42 at Foxhall Stadium last night to complete a two-legged semi-final triumph.

By Elvin King

CHRIS Louis looked ahead to the final of the Knock-Out Cup and said: “We can win it.”

The Ipswich rider/manager played his part as the Evening Star Witches beat Arena-Essex 51-42 at Foxhall Stadium last night to complete a two-legged semi-final triumph.

Louis was paid for 11 points and will be a key man when Ipswich ride against Poole Pirates in the final at Wimborne Road on Wednesday, October 20 and at Foxhall Stadium the following night.

There were scenes of jubilation as Witches hero Hans Andersen treated a big crowd to a succession of wheelies to celebrate his top-scoring 14 points.

And there could be more partying to come as the Witches - on last night's evidence - have every chance of beating Poole.

“We know that it will be hard,” said Louis, who played a big part in the way the 2004 Ipswich side was constructed.

“We are capable of beating Poole, and we can win it. Our supporters have been fantastic this season and it will give us an extra incentive to win a trophy in front of them in two weeks time.”

It is difficult to pick just one member of the side who has done more than the others to take Ipswich to within one point of a league play-off final and to the final of this cup.

“We felt that if we had edged beyond Wolves in the play-offs we would have beaten Poole in the final,” added Louis. “Now we have a chance to prove it.”

Louis deserves as much credit as incredibly consistent skipper Scott Nicholls, fans' favourite Andersen, the reliable Jesper B Jensen, the perfect second string Danny Bird, reserve trump card Kim Jansson and fast-emerging Daniel King.

Louis had decided to become a promoter after missing nearly two complete seasons with a back injury that followed a severe head injury.

Louis took on the task of planning the Ipswich recovery after the club finished bottom of the table last year - and at the 11the hour decided to put himself into the side.

His return from the wilderness will be complete with a cup winner's medal.

Regular race partner Jensen had a special word for Louis' contribution.

The 26-year-old Dane said: “It has been a pleasure riding with Chris. He is a big help to me and to the rest of the team.”

The Ipswich management has confirmed that they would like to retain as many riders as they can next year.

And Jensen said: “I have been told that the club would like me to stay, and I am happy about that.”