Premier League Cup Group Match

Somerset Rebels 45, Ipswich Witches 45

THE Somerset Rebels were forced to settle for a draw when they took on the Ipswich Witches at the Oaktree Arena on Friday.

It was an under par performance from the Rebels, but you can’t take anything away from Ipswich who came with a determination they haven’t shown at the Oak Tree Arena before.

Add to that Nico Covatti’s stunning performance and Rohan Tungate’s much improved Oak Tree form, the Rebels were probably lucky to salvage the point they did.

On their part the home side were led by another superb captain’s performance from Josh Grajczonek, backed up by Charles Wright.

Brady Kurtz rescued his night with a machine switch - but despite only scoring two points, the most impressive and important showing came from the Rebels guest Josh Bates.

His battling rides in Heats 11 and 12 proved to be the difference between losing the match and taking the draw for the Rebels.

The Rebels now open their Premier League campaign with a visit to Sheffield on Thursday where, ironically, they will come up against the very man that helped them to the draw tonight, Josh Bates.

With the Tigers being particularly strong on their home shale, the Rebels will have to be at the top of their game if they are to open the League with an away win.