Hammers see off the Colts

Star man Ben Morley struck a stunning 15-point maximum as Lakeside edged a 49-41 victory over Belle Vue at the Arena Essex Raceway.

Morley went unbeaten from five rides and played the last heat hero as the Vortex Hammers battled to a hard-fought triumph.

It was a night to remember for the Purfleet outfit in their first home meeting in the Travel Plus National League.

And team boss Kelvin Tatum was delighted with the performance of his side.

Said Tatum: “We were under no illusions that they’d be a good side and that proved to be the case.

Fortunately we managed to come out on top in a last heat decider, and that was a great result for us.

It was a tough meeting but we managed to get the job done, and we’ll look forward to our next meeting now.”

Heat leader Zach Wajtknecht suffered just one defeat for the hosts as their top two powered them to victory.

David Mason and Alfie Bowtell, who won the April rider of the month award, delivered solid scores in the engine room of the side, whilst Nick Laurence also provided a race win.

And although George Hunter and Jamie Couzins struggled to make a major impact, they contributed a couple of points apiece to see their side over the line in a tight encounter.

Alfie Bowtell. April Rider of the month with Steve & Sandra Gibbons

LAKESIDE 49

Ben Morley 15, Zach Wajtknecht 12+1, Alfie Bowtell 7, David Mason 6+2, Nick Laurence 5, George Hunter 2, Jamie Couzins 2

BELLE VUE 41:

Kyle Bickley 12+1, Ben Hopwood 11, Dan Bewley 6, Jack Smith 4+3, Andy Mellish 4+1, Lee Payne 4+1, Luke Woodhull 0

National League points: Lakeside 3 Belle Vue 0

Main Image: Ben Morley. Credit Rob Newell

Alfie Bowtell: Credit Rafal Wlosek