Happy Hammers Boss Urges Attack.

A third qualification for the Play Offs in five years was greeted with enthusiasm and determination by Hammers co-promoter, Stuart Douglas. The Club await the news of their semi final opponents, once table toppers Poole have made their obligatory first choice.

“We suspect Poole will opt for either ourselves or King’s Lynn, the two away tracks where they ride well as a team. It’s unlikely they will opt for Eastbourne, who are very strong at their Arlington circuit,” said Douglas. “Whichever, I’m thrilled to be part of the challenge. Whether the Pirates, or the Eagles by default, we will be ready for them. The team has done so well to climb into the Play Off positions – we have earned that honour, despite some terrible injuries to our riders along the way. We will go up against out opponents full of confidence, and we will ride not just for the team and the fans, but also for Adam and Piotr, who were part of the journey here”.

Both Eastbourne and Poole have given The Hammers tough opposition this season at the Arena Essex Raceway, but that doesn’t faze Douglas. “We know both teams are quality, but we are getting stronger each meeting, too, and this is the Play Offs, so we will be right up for it.”

Asked for a personal preference, Douglas said “If it were up to me, then I would choose Eastbourne. It is always a special occasion when they are in town. It’s a good local rivalry, and this is the best team they have had during my spell with The Hammers, so I would love to do battle once again.”

Photo Heat 10: Peter Ljung (blue) and Lee Richardson (red) – Lakeside Hammers vs Birmingham Brummies, Elite League Speedway at the Arena Essex Raceway, Purfleet – 02/09/11 –  CREDIT: Rob Newell/TGSPHOT