Hammers take the points

Andreas-Jonsson-Edward-Kennett-Lakeside-Hammers-Credit-Anticlockwise-photography

Lakeside gave their Elite League play-off hopes a major boost with a hard-fought 51-39 win over top four rivals Swindon at the Arena-Essex Raceway.

The Vortex Hammers put in another strong home display to claim a potentially vital three points to strengthen their grip on fourth spot.

The Purfleet outfit were always in control against a patched-up Robins side – and although the visitors threatened to claim a point they were forced to leave empty handed.

Team coach Kelvin Tatum admitted it was not a perfect performance from his side – but he was nonetheless delighted with a “job well done”.

Said Tatum: “It was a little bit dicey at one stage when they got within six, and we probably should have been more in control at that point in truth.

Swindon put up a decent fight, but we got the job done and got the three points which was the main thing.

We also stopped them getting anything which could prove very important at the end of the season, so it was a job well done for us in the end.

Star skipper Andreas Jonsson once again led by example with double figures, whilst Edward Kennett played a key role with 11+2 against his former club, including a fantastic tussle in heat one with Robins number one Jason Doyle.  Kim Nilsson continued his fine form to bag paid nine whilst Richard Lawson also impressed in a heat-leader position as the home side ran just five last places.

Lewis Kerr ended an eventful evening with a win at reserve, whilst Lewis Bridger and Robert Mear also made vital contributions in what was a strong all-around team performance.

For the Robins, Doyle and  guest Stuart Robson top scored with 12, with the former Hammer including a stunning move past Lewis Kerr in heat 8, whilst Nick Morris delivered 3 heat wins on his way to 11 paid 12.

The Vortex Hammers will return to action after the World Cup break as they travel to Belle Vue on Wednesday, August 3 before hosting the Aces in the return fixture on Friday, August 5 (8pm)

Lakeside Hammers = 51

1. Andreas Jonsson – 3,3,2*,2,2 = 12+1
2. Edward Kennett – 2*,3,2,3,1* = 11+2
3. Richard Lawson – 2*,2,3,0 = 7+1
4. Lewis Bridger – 2,FX,1*,2 = 5+1
5. Kim Nilsson – 3,2*,1,1* = 7+2
6. Robert Mear – 2,0,(LK-FX),1 = 3
7. Lewis Kerr – F,1*,2,FX,3 = 6+1

Swindon Robins = 39

1. Jason Doyle – 1,3,2,3,3 = 12
2. Rohan Tungate R/R – (SR-0,NM-1*,DA-0,DA-0 = 1+1)
3. Justin Sedgmen – 0,0,1,(SR-1) = 1
4. Nick Morris – 3,1*,1,3,3,0 = 11+1
5. Bjarne Pedersen (Guest) – 1,1,FX,0 = 2
6. Stuart Robson (Guest) – 0,3,2,3,1,2,1 = 12
7. Danny Ayres (Guest) – 1,0,0,(SR-1),0,0 = 1

Hammers win the toss and choose gates 1&3 in Heat 1.

Heat Results

Heat 01: Jonsson,Kennett,Doyle,Robson…58.5. 5-1
Heat 02:(Re-Run): Robson,Mear,Ayres,Kerr(Fell)…AWARDED. (2-4). 7-5
Heat 03: Nilsson,Lawson,Pedersen,Sedgmen…58.7. (5-1). 12-6
Heat 04: Morris,Bridger,Kerr,Ayres…60.9. (3-3). 15-9
Heat 05: Kennett,Robson,Morris,Mear…58.5. (3-3). 18-12
Heat 06:(Re-Run): Doyle,Lawson,Pedersen,Bridger(Fell/Excluded)…59.2. (2-4). 20-16
Heat 07: Jonsson,Nilsson,Morris,Sedgmen…58.3. (5-1). 25-17
Heat 08: Robson,Kerr,Bridger,Ayres…59.4. (3-3). 28-20
Heat 09: Morris,Kennett,Robson,Kerr(Fell/Excluded)…AWARDED. (2-4). 30-24
Heat 10: Lawson,Doyle,Nilsson,Ayres…59.1. (4-2). 34-26
Heat 11:(Re-Run): Kennett,Jonsson,Sedgmen,Pedersen(Fell/Excluded)…59.6. (5-1).
Heat 12:(Re-Run): Kerr,Robson(15m),Mear,Ayres…60.7. (4-2). 43-29
Heat 13: Doyle,Jonsson,Nilsson,Pedersen…59.1. (3-3). 46-32
Heat 14: Morris,Bridger,Robson,Lawson…60.2. (2-4). 48-36
Heat 15: Doyle,Jonsson,Kennett,Morris…59.3. (3-3). 51-39

Updates courtesy of @speedwayupdates & @lakesidelive.

Image: Andreas Jonsson & Edward Kennett – Credit Anticlockwise Photography