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Elite League B fixture : Monday 4th July 2008 @ 7.30pm
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Lakeside claimed top spot for the first time this season with a hard fought win over local rivals Eastbourne.
On many occasions the Hammers had to fight from the back to claim points from the fast starting Eagles, who arrived at the Purfleet raceway in determined mood and started the meeting in fine form - just four points separated the two teams after 7 heats.
The halfway stage of the match proved to be the turning point, with three 5-1's in a row for the home side - the first of which coming after Lewis Bridger, under pressure from Leigh Lanham, shed a chain causing him to fall whilst leading heat 8. Jonas Davidsson and Adam Shields gained another 5-1 in heat 9, and then the third 5-1 in succession was claimed in spectacular style, with Andreas Jonsson passing both
Lee Richardson and Cameron Woodward to join team-mate Lanham at the front.
The Eagles were well served throughout the meeting by Team GB skipper Scott Nicholls, and it was Nicholls who helped reduced the deficit temporarily with a double points victory in heat 11.
The visitors responded to a Shields-Kling induced 5-1 in heat 12 with a 5-1 of their own in heat 13 with Nicholls once again claiming the chequered flag with partner Kennett close behind to inflict Jonsson's only defeat of the night, although the Hammers hit back immediately once again through Davidsson and Lubos Tomicek in the penultimate heat.
Jonsson was to gain revenge over his GP counterpart with a fast start in heat 15, with skipper Shields passing Richardson on the last bend with an inside pass to reward his persistence - typifying the Hammers' hard working performance on the night.
The result provides double joy for Hammers fans - victory over their local rivals...and claiming top spot in the Elite League in the process.
 Related Link: Hammers hit top spot : Match Statistics
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