LAKESIDE condemned Elite League Champions Poole to their first defeat of the season so far with a dramatic 50-40 victory at the Arena-Essex Raceway.

Just 48 hours after suffering a 57-33 loss at Wimborne Road, the Vortex Hammers gained revenge with a tremendous performance.

Faced with their toughest test of the season so far on home shale, the Purfleet outfit passed with flying colours to come from six points down to earn a memorable win and leave the powerhouse Pirates travelling back to Dorset empty handed.

The result moves Lakeside seven points clear at the top of the Elite League table – and jubilant promoter Jon Cook believes they have what it takes to launch a title challenge as the season progresses.

“We are totally delighted with the win, and it takes a proper speedway team to be able to lower Poole’s colours,” said Cook.

“I know a lot of people have said that this is a one-team league, but I’d say after tonight it’s a two-team league.

“It’s early days, but we’ve done six meetings and we have to be very pleased with where we are at and the way things are going at the moment.”

Grand Prix star Andreas Jonsson once again led from the front with a masterful display, only being denied a paid maximum by Hans Andersen in the final race.

He received outstanding support from popular Pole Piotr Swiderski, who also bagged double figures to earn a well-deserved heat 15 appearance.

Lewis Bridger enjoyed his best night of the season so far, ending his evening with two wins including a breath-taking ride in heat 14 to wrap up victory alongside Richard Lawson.

Lawson similarly came on strong as the meeting went on, whilst Kim Nilsson and reserve Lewis Kerr bagged a race win apiece as they added vital contributions.

Robert Mear endured another tough night but was in the thick of the action against Poole’s star reserve pairing, who were powerless to prevent their side suffering defeat.

After storming to their finest victory of the season so far, the high-flying Hammers will travel to Wolverhampton on Monday, April 18 (7.30pm) before hosting Swindon in their next home meeting on Friday, April 22 (8pm).

LAKESIDE 50: Andreas Jonsson 13+1, Piotr Swiderski 11+1, Richard Lawson 7+1, Lewis Bridger 7, Kim Nilsson 6, Lewis Kerr 5+1, Robert Mear 1

POOLE 40: Hans Andersen 11+1, Adam Ellis 11, Kyle Newman 6+2, Krzysztof Buzkowski 6, Chris Holder 3+1, Davey Watt 2, Brady Kurtz 1+1

Elite League points: Lakeside 3 Poole 0