The Lakeside Hammers take on the holders of the Elite League Knockout Cup, the Eastbourne Eagles, in the opening leg of the first round of this year’s competition at their Arena-Essex Raceway today (Friday).

The Hammers will be going all out for revenge as it was the Eagles that knocked them out at the semi final stage of the competition in 2008 and the Sussex side will be equally determined to retain the Cup. It, therefore, has all the makings of it being a fiercely competitive tie.

With the first leg being staged at the Hammers home circuit they will be looking to take a healthy lead to defend down at Arlington Stadium the following evening. However, there are riders in both sides that excel at their opponents raceways.

The Hammers, fresh from their thrashing of the Ipswich Witches last Friday, will go into Friday’s match in confident form, although the Eagles are likely to provide a far sterner test for the Essex Club.

In an enforced change in their line-up the Hammers captain, Adam Shields, will move into the No.1 race jacket and will be partnered by Jonas Davidsson. Lee Richardson moves to No.3 with Joonas Kylmakorpi at No.4. These partnerships worked well in the matches against the Witches and Team Manager, Jon Cook, believes that the understanding of these pairings together on the track should prove vital in what is expected to be an enthralling Cup tie.

Kauko Nieminen, who raced to a superb five ride 15 point maximum against the Witches last Friday, retains the No.5 race jacket.

Eastbourne go into the match with a track specialist around the Hammers Raceway in Australian Davey Watt at No.1 He will be partnered by fellow Aussie Cameron Woodward. Lewis Bridger, who guested for the Hammers on occasions during their late season injury problems, will ride at No.3 with Lukas Dryml at No.4. It has been several years since Dryml has raced around the Arena-Essex Raceway and freely admits that it is not one of his favourite tracks.

At No.5 the Eagles will have David Norris, who returns to the track after a period of retirement following several injuries. On his day he has been one of the best visiting riders to around the Hammers raceway. At reserve the Eagles field two young Swedes, Ricky Kling and Simon Gustafsson. Kling is a Hammers asset but has been loaned out to the Sussex club this season whilst Gustafsson, the son of former top rider Henka, is one of the current top young Swedes to race in the Elite League in this Country.

The action gets underway at the Arena-Essex Raceway on Friday with the opening race scheduled for 8pm. Prior to that there will be a series of races involving junior riders commencing at 6.30pm.

Normal admission prices apply for this Cup match and are as follows: - Adults £15; O.A.P.’s, Students and Disabled £11; Unemployed £10; Children aged 6-15, £3 and Children under 6 are free. In addition a Family Ticket is available at £30 for 2 adults plus £2 for each child aged 6-15. Proof of age and/or status will be required.