Hammers clear at top

Lakeside went three-points clear at the top of the Elite League with a hard fought 53-39 win over Belle Vue – and boss Jon Cook insists there’s more to come from his team.

The Vortex Hammers impressed in front of their own fans and the TV audience with a solid all-round display against a strongly fancied Aces outfit.

Hammers Promoter Cook said: “We are riding well and we will be entertainers wherever we go this season. We are working with a group of riders we believe will get better but for now we are happy.

Everyone played their part tonight, Andreas Jonsson was a magnificent No.1 and Lewis Bridger has shown we did the right thing by bringing him back to the sport, even though it was a difficult decision at the time.”

Jonsson was the top man with 12+2 and started well with a sweet move to pass Max Fricke in the opener for a 5-1 with Piotr Swiderski.  Steve Worrall was a one-man band for the Manchester men who suffered  exclusions for Scott Nicholls, Craig Cool and Richie Worrall early on.

Cook joined Matej Zagar for a 5-1 by going from last to second in Heat 6 – and Zagar won his tactical ride in 10 – but Lakeside were too powerful.

The Vortex Hammers will be looking to keep their impressive form going when they head to Swindon on Thursday (7.30).

Lakeside Hammers 53: Andreas Jonsson 12+2, Piotr Swiderski 10+1, Richard Lawson 8, Lewis Bridger 7+2, Kim Nilsson 7, Lewis Kerr 5+2, Robert Mear 4+2.

Belle Vue Aces 39: Steve Worrall 17+1, Matej Zagar 12+1, Scott Nicholls 3, Richie Worrall 3, Craig Cook 2, Max Fricke 2, Joe Jacobs 0.

Thanks for updates during the meeting from @lakesidelive