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Elite League A Fixture : Friday 9th April 2010
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The Hammers continued their early unbeaten start to the 2010 Elite League campaign with this, their first home victory of the season.
The Essex men were in hungry mood following their Easter draw at Eastbourne and Thursday evening's success at Swindon. This very comprehensive victory over Coventry ensured that they started their home league campaign with three further points to take their tally from three matches to eight points - and an early second place in the Elite League table.
The team were led by Krzysztof Kasprzak and Adam Shields and were ably supported by Jonas Davidsson (just a single point dropped) and the rest of the side, all of whom were paid for at least a win.
The excellent racing conditions - team boss Jon Cook later paid tribute to his track staff - saw plenty over overtaking, particularly in the early stages. The opening race was itself a spectacle with Coventry's Chris Harris taking the lead only for Kasprzak to chase him down and overhaul him on the final lap.
Paul Hurry did likewise to Josh Auty in heat two, passing the young Bees reserve on the third lap to join the fast starting Daniel Davidsson for a 5-1. Moments later Auty lifted and came to grief, although thankfully walked back to the bits after some attention.
It was Daniel Davidsson's turn to provide the spectacle in heat four, passing Filip Sitera, and Harris again proved full value when he chased Jonas Davidsson hard in heat 5, narrowly missing out on the final corner.
The Hammers were six points up going into heat eight and a Stuart Robson-inspired 5-1 helped them secure a ten point cushion at the halfway stage, "Robbo" battling with Ben Barker before securing second place behind Daniel Davidsson.
New Coventry boss Alun Rossiter took the opportunity to nominate Rory Schlein for a tactical ride in heat nine but he was outgated by Kauko Nieminen, who was quickly joined at the front of the race for partner Jonas Davidsson.
With options running out, Rossiter quickly nominated Ed Kennett for an equivalent outing - but he too suffered a similar fate at the starting gate as he was left trailing. Leader Kasprzak was ably backed up by Stuart Robson, who held Kennett off for three and a bit laps before machine trouble caused him to slow and allow the Bees rider through. Reports of a blown engine quickly filtered through, scant reward for the popular Hammers' efforts.
With both Bees tactical options a failure, Hammers started to turn the screw and secured heat advantages in each of the remaining races. Maximum 5-1's in heats thirteen and fourteen saw them take a commanding lead of 25 points going into the final race, just as 5-1 away from hitting 60 points and with Kasprzak on maximum points. Both were in the end denied by Harris, who slotted into second place behind Shields to restrict the home side to a 4-2 and prevent Kasprzak's full score.
Nonetheless, this victory ensures Hammers backed up their fine two early season away performances with a maiden victory in their home league campaign. It left boss Jon Cook pleased, although keen to play down the results at this early stage.
"We've ridden fantastically well tonight with every member of the team playing a part," said Cook of his team's performance. "I believe there's plenty to look forward to and a lot more to come. A lot of the credit goes to the track staff, who produced a great circuit today and helped us generate lots of entertainment for the fans."
"There are a lot of stern tests to come here in this league but we've started very well - let's hope it continues."
 Related Link: Hammers continue good opening league form : Match Details
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