VORTEX Hammers boss Kelvin Tatum hailed the partnership between Ben Morley and Paul Hurry after Lakeside toppled leaders Eastbourne 49-41.

The pair produced a maximum in heat 15 to maintain the side’s perfect record after eight home league meetings in the National League this season.

With four points the difference, visiting guest Danny Ayres made the gate but Morley passed the Cradley charger by the end of lap one with Hurry’s relentless pursuit paying dividends on the back straight of the final circuit.

Morley won each of his five races with Hurry dropping just one point.

“Ben really held the team together and played a proper captain’s role,” said Tatum. “It was a terrific finish to deny Eastbourne a league point.”

Hammers return on Monday, August 14 at Kent Kings (6.30pm).