Zach shines for the Hammers

Zach-Wajtknecht_Lakeside-Hammers_Credit-Anticlockwise-PhotographyStar man Zach Wajtknecht struck a perfect 15-point maximum to lead Lakeside to a 49-41 win over Cradley at the Arena-Essex Raceway.

The Vortex Hammers prevailed in another close meeting to continue their perfect home record and leave the highly-rated Heathens heading back to the West Midlands empty handed.

Top end firepower made all the difference for the revamped Purfleet outfit, with Paul Hurry also notching a paid maximum from his four programmed rides whilst Ben Morley bagged double figures.

Perhaps the most crucial contribution, however, came from Alfie Bowtell as he claimed two race wins and eight points to give vital support to their powerhouse top three.

Although the Heathens won the lower order battle, Kelvin Tatum’s side did enough to come out on top.

“It was a good win,” Tatum said. “Cradley pushed us hard and we probably made hard work of it at times because we were pretty much reliant on four riders.

“Fair play to Cradley, they came here and gave a good account of themselves but we just about had enough.

“That’s two good wins in two days for us which is very pleasing, and if we can get the lower order firing then hopefully we still have more to come.”

LAKESIDE VORTEX HAMMERS 49:

Zach Wajtknecht 15, Paul Hurry 11+1, Ben Morley 11, Alfie Bowtell 8, Jamie Couzins 2, Nick Laurence 2, Alex Spooner 0.

CRADLEY HEATH 41:

Tom Perry 10, Conor Dwyer 8+2, Dan Greenwood 7, Danny Ayres 6, Joe Lawlor 5+3, Luke Harris 4+2, Ryan Burton 1+1.

Image: Zach-Wajtknecht Lakeside-Hammers  Credit-Anticlockwise-Photography