The Lakeside Hammers saw history made at the Arena Essex Raceway last night as the club reached the Elite League Play off Final with a resounding victory over fellow semi finalists, Swindon.
"The last few weeks have been a testing time for the team, with major injuries to three of our top riders. Last night was a big ask but we went in with a game plan and everyone played their part," said team boss, Jon Cook.
"The track was deliberately prepared to unsettle the Swindon team, being a total contrast to the last time they visited the Arena. Track curator Gerald Richter carried out the riders instructions to perfection.
"The tactic of moving Andreas Jonsson and Leigh Lanham to numbers 3 and 4 in a bid to combat the threat of Swindon track specialist, Leigh Adams, also worked perfectly, though, to be fair, from the moment that Tomasz Jedrzejak - aided by a fantastic first bend ride from Ed Kennett - pipped Adams in Heat 1, our lads never looked back, putting in a fantastically dominant display."
Team owner, Stuart Douglas, was equally buoyant. "Everyone writing us off as the 'easier' of the play off opponents really served to pump up the lads," he said. "From the minute they arrived in the pits you could tell there was a special atmosphere.
"Swindon are no mugs, but I don't think they knew what hit them. I am so proud of the whole team, and I am pleased for the Hammers fans, who have waited a long, long time for a moment like this."
The only dark cloud on proceedings was a crash involving The Hammers Finnish rider, Kauko Nieminen in heat 12, and it was confirmed today that he has suffered a broken collarbone.
"Kauko has been outstanding for us since deputising for our injured riders, and is massively popular with the fans," said Cook. "We're gutted that this has happened. He has been a major part of the superb spirit in the camp. We will get a second opinion on the extent of his injury and also monitor the ongoing situation with the head injury suffered a few weeks ago by our reserve, Lubos Tomicek. There is no time to rest on our laurels, we want to be fully prepared for next Monday's big night."
The Hammers will compete over two legs, home and away, with winners of the second semi final, Poole Pirates, to determine who will be crowned British Elite League Champions. The first meeting will take place at the Arena Essex next Monday night, October 6th.
More information on the Hammers: lakesidehammers.co.uk
