The Lakeside Hammers Speedway team go into the weekend knowing finally who will be their opponents as they prepare for what is certainly the biggest night in the Club's 25 year history. Thursday's culmination of Elite League fixtures saw Swindon consolidate their place in the Play Off semi final against the Hammers at the Arena Essex Raceway on Monday night.
Jon Cook (team boss):
"Swindon was the club we wanted, they are the only team to have beaten us at home in the League this year, and it ruined my birthday, so this is the perfect occasion to extract a sweet revenge. We know we are a better team than they are and Monday night is our chance to prove our credentials in the most important fixture this Club has ever faced."
The semi finals are competed over just the single leg. The Hammers earned the right to stage the home event by finishing second in the League, drawing level on points with Poole Pirates but pipped for top place only by race points difference.
Stuart Douglas (team owner):
"Our performances over the whole season have been tremendous, we promised the fans in 2006 we would get them into the play offs in 2008, and we've been true to our word. Monday is a massive night for not just the riders, but the whole Club, and should be a massive celebration. I'm relishing the chance to earn our place in the final, and whilst Swindon need to be respected, I have a total, unswerving faith in Jon and our lads to get the result needed."
The event is being covered by the Sky Sports cameras, and a Big Screen will be in place for live coverage of the second semi final between Poole and Ipswich.
"It's going to be a tense, passionate affair, but we will give no quarter in the fight to the line," said Cook. "I can't wait for Monday night."
The action gets underway on 29th at the Arena-Essex Raceway at 7.30pm.
The two expected line-ups are:-
Lakeside Hammers:
1. Rider Replacement (for Adam Shields)
2. Tomasz Jedrzejak
3. Andreas Jonsson
4. Leigh Lanham (captain)
5. Edward Kennett (guest for Jonas Davidsson)
6. Ricky Kling
7. Kauko Nieminen.
Swindon Robins:
1. Leigh Adams (captain)
2. James Wright
3. Jurica Pavlic
4. Troy Batchelor
5. Mads Korneliussen
6. Richard Sweetman (guest for Manuel Hauzinger)
7. Cory Gathercole.
More information on the Hammers: lakesidehammers.co.uk
