Hammers v Sheffield Tigers Preview

Lakeside return to full strength when they host reigning Champions Sheffield at the Arena-Essex Raceway on Friday (8pm).

In recent weeks, the Hammers have been without Kyle Newman through injury while Zach Wajtknecht has had to fulfil other racing commitments.

But the pair will return to the side on Friday for another what should prove to be another stern test.

And after back-to-back away defeats at Glasgow and Peterborough, Hammers team boss Will Pottinger is keen to see his side maintain their 100 per cent record at home.

“Losing by 14 points at Peterborough and 13 points at Glasgow left me naturally disappointed although I always try to look at the bigger picture, Pottinger said.

“I’ve got no doubt that both score lines would have been closer if we’d have been able to put out a full strength team on both occasions.

“On Friday we are able to do just that though and that’s a pretty big thing for us because Sheffield have got a strong looking team.

“This is potentially our only home league fixture during July at the moment, so it’s really important that the Lakeside fans back the team as we look to claim three more vital league points.”

Sheffield are without Danish ace Lasse Bjerre as he has been suffering from concussion, but skipper Kyle Howarth makes a his return from a shoulder injury sustained last month.

Fans should be aware that for this fixture only, the Raceway owners have made the Tavern Top bar unavailable.   The lower bar will however be open for alcoholic beverages. The Hammers apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Lakeside Hammers:

Nick Morris, Zach Wajtknecht, Adam Ellis, Kyle Newman, Richard Lawson, Ben Morley, Alfie Bowtell.

Sheffield Tigers:

Kyle Howarth, Todd Kurtz, Lasse Bjerre R/R, Broc Nicol, Charles Wright, Georgie Wood, James Shanes.

Admission details: Pay at the gate (cash and cards accepted)

  • Adults: £17
  • Concessions: £14* (concessions cover Male OAP’s 65 and over, female OAP’s 65 and over, Disabled, Unemployed, 17 and 18 year olds in full education and Students over 18)
  • Students 16yrs up £8
  • Kids (8-15) £1
  • 7 years and under free
  • Programme:  £3

(*proof of entitlement may be requested.)

Image: Kyle Newman Credit Rafa Wlosek