Hammers in determined mood

The Lakeside Hammers go into Friday’s Sky Sports Elite League match against the Birmingham Brummies determined to get back to winning ways following their defeats against Eastbourne on Good Friday.

Adam Shields and Piotr Swiderski, who both missed the away match at Eastbourne, are back in the Hammers team for the important match at the Arena-Essex Raceway. Shields warmed up for Friday’s match and proved his fitness after a spectacular crash in his final race at the Hammers Raceway last Friday with eight points from four rides in Wednesday’s Elite League Pairs, which was staged at King’s Lynn.

He was partnered by Lee Richardson in the big event up in Norfolk that saw the Hammers finish in third place in their qualification group behind eventual winners Poole and runners up Belle Vue. Richardson scored 10 points in that meeting, winning two of his four rides, including an impressive victory over the Poole pairing of Australian GP rider Chris Holder and the current World Under 21 Champion Darcy Ward.

The only change to the Hammers line-up for the match against the Brummies has been caused by the fact that both of their doubling up riders, Stuart Robson and Kyle Legault, having to ride for their respective Premier League clubs, Newcastle and Newport   the same evening. The Hammers Co Promoter, Jon Cook has booked in Ricky Wells as a replacement.

As far as Birmingham are concerned they also have riders involved in Premier League matches on Friday. Joe Screen, who doubles up with Ben Barker, will take his place in their team as Barker was due to race for Plymouth although there is some doubt over his fitness following a recent crash.

Similarly Kevin Wolbert and James Wright both have Premier League commitments so they have brought in Australian Kozza Smith, who will occupy one of the reserve positions.

Former Hammers riders Krzysztof Kasprzak and Daniel King will also be missing Friday’s meeting. Kasprzak’s Polish Club have recalled him back to his homeland and King suffered an injury whilst competing over the Easter in Poland. Edward Kennett comes in to replace Kasprzak whilst King’s rides will be covered under the Rider Replacement facility.

Following the success of the ‘Kids for a Quid’ scheme on Good Friday, that saw the highest paying crowd since the current Promotion of Stuart Douglas and Jon Cook took over the Club in 2007, the scheme has been extended to cover the match against Birmingham.

Fans will be able to purchase their tickets on the night at the pay booths although they are also available in advance online via the Hammers website at www.lakesidehammers.co

The action gets underway at the Arena-Essex Raceway on Friday with the first race scheduled for 8pm. As it is another Bank Holiday a big crowd is again expected and supporters are, therefore, requested to turn up at the Raceway as early as possible.

Teams:-
Lakeside Hammers: Lee Richardson, Kauko Nieminen, Adam Shields, Piotr Swiderski, Peter Ljung, Robert Mear & Ricky Wells

Birmingham Brummies: Edward Kennett, Ales Dryml, Joe Screen, Rider Replacement for Daniel King, Daniel Nermark, Kozza Smith & Claus Vissing.

Picture:  Lee Richardson celebrates victory (Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO)