Having endured a torrid week of devastating injury news, the Lakeside Hammers rallied for an outstanding 'backs to the wall' performance to beat Wolverhampton Wolves at the Arena-Essex Raceway last Friday night.

With three of their riders now looking likely to have their season prematurely ended, Team Manager Jon Cook was able to elicit some heroic performances from his remaining riders to see off a strong Wolves challenge.

"After the week we've had, this feels like winning the League, and I can't praise the lads out there highly enough," said Cook after Friday’s superb victory. "With our number 8 Kauko Nieminen riding way beyond any expectations, and with guest Lewis Bridger defying his critics and putting in an exciting and mature performance, the team effort tonight was fantastic. We will have to go some to top this feeling right now."

With the Hammers Captain Adam Shields hospitalised for at least the next fortnight to stabilise multiple injuries suffered during a horror smash at Peterborough last Thursday, stand in Skipper Leigh Lanham made sure the team knew what was expected of them.

"People were very quick to write us off after the injuries hit, but this team spirit is something else, and there was no way I was going to let us lose this meeting," commented Lanham.  "We owe it to our team mates and the fans - we won't let this season slip. We will fight for every point out there."

Hammers owner Stuart Douglas echoed that spirit. "We could have let the doom and gloom affect us, but I have total faith in this Club, and total faith in Jon Cook's ability to build, and rebuild, if necessary, a team capable of maintaining our title charge. His choice of guest in Lewis Bridger was inspired, and I'm really pleased the lad enjoyed himself in the Hammers colours - that's the kind of team spirit we have here. Any team who thinks they can come and turn us over in the run in to the play-offs better be ready for a serious scrap."

The Lakeside Hammers now have a break from League racing with their next Sky Sports League match not scheduled until Friday 5th September when they return to their Arena-Essex Raceway. They will be looking to maintain their top two position in the League table to ensure a home tie in the play-off Semi Finals.

The only fixture they have before then is the second leg of their Knockout Cup Semi Final clash against arch rivals, the Eastbourne Eagles.  That is due to take place this coming Saturday 30th August at the Eagles Arlington circuit. The Hammers go into this important match 11 points up after the first leg, which resulted in a 52-41 victory for the Hammers.

The Essex based Club will be keen to reach their second Final of the season having already reached the Final of the Craven Shield, where they will meet Coventry over two legs later in the year. The Hammers are still very much involved in all three of the competitions at the top level of Speedway in this Country.