Hethersett Hawks/Myhill Decorators could raise only six riders for their two-match fixture away at champions Ipswich due to other commitments.

Needless to say it was a difficult afternoon for the Hawks, although they competed well, especially in the first half, the highlight being veteran Glyn Morgan keeping the fast Matt Hill at bay for the team's only race win.

It was heat nine before Ipswich got their first 7-3 win but in the second half the visitors faded, possibly with the knowledge of another match to follow. Hethersett will need a win at Kesgrave in two weeks' time to have any chance of a play-off place.

Ipswich 98 Hethersett 82: H Hamill 15, D Butler 11, O Wells 11, L Cossey 10, G Morgan 10, K Adams 5.

Faced with a 15-point penalty for using a restricted rider, the Hawks again faced an uphill task and the Ipswich youngsters, bolstered by a returning Tom Pike, defended their advantage throughout and a 7-3 win in heat 14 and two late Hethersett exclusions sealed their victory even with the penalty points.

Owen Wells put in a strong performance for Hethersett who can still win the title and know that victories in all their three remaining matches will secure it.

Ipswich B (82+15) 97 Hethersett B 74: H Hamill 17, L Cossey 17, O Wells 13, D Butler 11, K Adams 8, G Morgan 8.

Wells had 26 opponents and a tough draw to contend with in the second National Under-18 round of the British Youth and Junior League in Wolverhampton and scored seven points.

He has been rewarded for an improving season by being called up to the regional junior team to face South-West & Wales at Kesgrave on Sunday.

Judo: The Southgate family continued their impressive run for the Lopham and Diss based Kumo Judo Club, taking a complete set of medals.

Niamh Southgate, 12, won three contests at a higher weight to take the gold medal at the Don Werner Memorial Championships held at High Wycombe Judo Centre with sister Eden, 13, taking silver also at a weight higher than her normal fighting weight.

Both girls moved up a weight as preparation for the Flanders Cup Tournament to be held in Belgium later in the year.

Younger brother Lennon, just eight years old, took bronze in a large group of players.