SPEEDWAY: LAKESIDE Hammers maintained their title challenge, taking four points from two Good Friday meetings against the Eastbourne Eagles.

The Vortex Hammers controlled the first meeting at the Raceway winning 55-41, with Peter Karlsson top scoring with 13 and the impressive Mikkel Bech, delivering a paid maximum.

In the evening meeting at Arlington, with the Essex based team operating Rider Replacement for Mikkel Beck, the Hammers secured an away league point following a 48-42 point loss.

Lewis Bridger shone, top scoring on his old track with 13 points, backed by Richard Lawson (9 paid 11) and Adam Ellis (8 paid 9)

Following the meeting and the afternoon victory at The Raceway, Vortex Hammers Co-Promoter Jon Cook was enthusiastic about the Lakeside Hammers decent start to the season. He said: “It was a very good day, all things considered. “We had a great home win and a great crowd at The Raceway.

“And then to achieved an extra point in the evening was great.

“It was well deserved for our efforts on the night. “Roll on Friday when we return to The Raceway.

“We will be determined to avenge the point we dropped to Swindon last month,” he added.

Raceway Scores: Lakeside Hammers: 55 Peter Karlsson 13+1, Mikkel Bech 11+1, Davey Watt 8, Richard Lawson 7+1, Lewis Bridger 5+2, Adam Ellis 4, Ben Morley 7+2 Eastbourne Eagles: 41 Bjarne Pedersen 11, Timo Lahti 6 Joonas Kylmakorpi 2+1, Mikkel Michelsen 7+1, Cameron Woodward 10, Ben Hopwood (G) 1+1, Daniel Halsey 4+1 Arlington Scores: Eastbourne: 48 Bjarne Pedersen 14, Timo Lahti 6, Joonas Kylmakorpi 10+1, Mikkel Michelsen 8, Cameron Woodward 2+1, Ben Hopwood (G), 1 Daniel Halsey 7+1 Lakeside Hammers: 42. Peter Karlsson5+3, Richard Lawson 9+2, Davey Watt 5, Mikkel Bech R/R, Lewis Bridger 13, Ben Morley 2+1, Adam Ellis 8+1.