IPSWICH Witches' promoter John Louis said that it was a blow that their planned first speedway meeting of the season fell victim to the weather.The Suffolk club's challenge match at the East of England Showground against Peterborough was called off at lunchtime yesterday because of snow and rain.

IPSWICH Witches' promoter John Louis said that it was a blow that their planned first speedway meeting of the season fell victim to the weather.

The Suffolk club's challenge match at the East of England Showground against Peterborough was called off at lunchtime yesterday because of snow and rain.

The forecast was for more rain to arrive during the evening and the Peterborough officials felt it was wise to call an early halt.

This saved the Ipswich riders from making the journey and Louis said: "They were all frustrated. It is important that we get as much action on the track as we can before our Knockout Cup matches against Eastbourne on March 25 and 27.

"There will now be more onus put on our first home match when we are scheduled to ride against Peterborough in a challenge meeting on Thursday. If that is called off I will be very unhappy and my fingers are crossed that the weather holds."

Peterborough looked at the possibility of re-arranging a meeting against the Witches tomorrow, but it was found that not enough riders from either side were available.

The Panthers now want to hold the challenge with Ipswich on March 24, although at the moment they have another fixture scheduled. These two meetings between the Panthers and the Witches will see the riders forego their points money with the proceeds going towards providing the air fences that are necessary at every Elite League track this season.