Stars prepare for Ipswich clash

King’s Lynn make the short trip to rivals Ipswich tomorrow (2.15pm) for their first local derby clash of 2025 in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership.The PSH Environmental Stars have won their last two matches at home, against Leicester and Oxford respectively, and they were particularly impressive last week in dismantling the Spires 59-31 at the Adrian Flux Arena.But Monday’s meeting at Foxhall offers an entirely different challenge as they face a Witches side who have started the campaign in imperious form.Ipswich were clear title favourites with arguably an even stronger side than that which started 2024, and this has been played out on track with a 100 per cent record so far in both league and KO Cup.Despite having won at four away venues so far, it’s their home results which have captured the most attention as the Witches have racked up massive scores of 67, 65 and 60 on their own track.So it all adds up to a serious test for the Stars, but one they will face with the confidence of last week behind them as they look to spring a surprise.New averages for May mean a change of riding order with Chris Harris shooting up from the reserve berth to take over the No.1 position, whilst skipper Nicolai Klindt is now the man who could take the additional outings at reserve. Guest options for the injured Ben Cook have reduced, partly by the drop in his average and partly due a busy programme elsewhere on Bank Holiday Monday, so Lynn will operate rider replacement, with Cook’s rides able to be taken by Jan Kvech and reserve duo Klindt and Ashton Boughen. Manager Rob Lyon returns to take charge after missing the victory over Oxford when former club captain Simon Lambert stepped in.Lyon said: “I was very pleased to see the result and performance last Monday. It was a convincing win with everyone scoring well, and that’s what this team is built to do at home.“I’m confident we are more than capable of getting a result at Ipswich on the back of that performance, but of course we respect their impressive start to the season so far.” Ipswich: Jason Doyle, Danny King, Adam Ellis, Tom Brennan, Emil Sayfutdinov, Dan Thompson, Jordan Jenkins.King’s Lynn: Chris Harris, Ben Cook R/R, Jan Kvech, Richard Lawson, Niels-Kristian Iversen, Nicolai Klindt, Ashton Boughen.