The latest from the Lakeside Press Office…

BELLE VUE 60 HAMMERS 30
LAKESIDE boss Kelvin Tatum admitted they were simply beaten by a better team after going down 60-30 at Belle Vue on Wednesday.

An impressive display from Zach Wajtknecht was not enough to prevent the Vortex Hammers from suffering a heavy defeat at the National Speedway Stadium.

The visitors managed just four race wins and ran 14 last places against the table-topping Colts.
Ben Morley and George Hunter delivered a race win apiece whilst Alfie Bowtell was in the thick of the action throughout.

But reserve duo Nick Laurence and Jamie Couzins struggled to make an impact against the powerhouse Colts.

Said Tatum: “It was always going to be a tough meeting, and so it proved unfortunately.
“They’re a strong side who are all dialled in around there, and they just had too much for us in the end.

“They were a better team, although we never threw in the towel and we kept battling until the end which was encouraging.”

BELLE VUE 60: Dan Bewley 14, Kyle Bickley 11+2, Lee Payne 10, Rob Shuttleworth 8, Jack Smith 7+3, Luke Woodhull 5+2, Andy Mellish 5+1.
LAKESIDE 30: Zach Wajtknecht 14, George Hunter 6, Alfie Bowtell 5, Ben Morley 4, Jamie Couzins 1, Nick Laurence 0, David Mason R/R.

Boss Kelvin Tatum is looking for an instant response from his side as they travel to the Isle of Wight on Thursday (7pm).

Said Tatum: “In some ways it’s ideal to have another meeting straight away after the tough night at Belle Vue.

“We’ve got a chance to put that one behind us and get back on track at the Isle of Wight, and I certainly think we’re capable of doing that.

“We’ll be looking to come back with something and put in a good performance, so hopefully it turns out to be an improved evening.”

The Hammers will be at full strength as they head to the Island, with David Mason set to return from his head injury in the engine room of the side.

Meanwhile, the Warriors will utilise rider replacement to cover for the injured Tyler Govier at No.2 whilst Liam Carr has been booked to guest at No.5 after Nathan Greaves left the club to join Ipswich.

ISLE OF WIGHT: Ben Wilson, Tyler Govier R/R, James Cockle, Chris Widman, Liam Carr, Jamie Sealey, Alex Spooner, Jamie Bursill (No.8).
LAKESIDE: Ben Morley, George Hunter, David Mason, Alfie Bowtell, Zach Wajtknecht, Jamie Couzins, Nick Laurence.