Reserve ready for Hammers action

Lakeside Hammers take on Elite League play-off rivals the Birmingham Brummies tonight (Friday) at the Arena Essex Raceway in a meeting crucial to both clubs aspirations.

And Hammers will give a seasonal home debut to Swedish International Jonas Davidsson, while young Aussie Justin Sedgmen gets his chance of a long run in the team after an injury to Richie Worrall.

Free scoring reserve Worrall suffered a fractured leg while riding for Newcastle at the weekend and faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines, handing Sedgmen an opportunity to shine.

Co-promoter Jon Cook said: “Richie’s (Worrall) injury is a blow to us, just as JD (Jonas Davidsson) brings us up to full strength.

“But this really is Justin’s (Sedgmen) chance to shine. Everyone at the club has been impressed with his patience in playing second fiddle to Richie and his performances at home have been terrific so now he has the chance to build on that form, starting Friday.”

With the new July averages now in use Robert Mear moves up into the top five for the Hammers alongside Davidsson, Peter Karlsson, Davey Watt and Kim Nilsson.

Mear’s elevation into the top five means that Kauko Nieminen drops down to reserve alongside Justin Sedgmen.

The action gets underway at Purfleet on Friday with the usual parade of riders at 7.45pm, followed by the first race at 8pm.

Following the 15 heats of Elite League action there will be a further six heats that will see the Young Hammers take on the Rye House Pocket Rockets in an Anglian Junior League match.

Normal admission prices will apply, which are: Adults �17; Senior Citizens, Students and Disabled �14; Unemployed and children aged 17-18, �12; Children aged 6-16, �3, with children under the age of six admitted free of charge provided they are accompanied by a paying adult.

Proof of age or status may be requested. Tickets may be purchased on the night or in advance online at the club’s website at www.lakesidehammers.co.uk.