Diamonds set for ‘formidable’ Hammers clash this weekend

HAVING seen off reigning champions Sheffield and current table-toppers Peterborough in last week’s action, Newcastle BTS Diamonds turn their attention to upsetting Lakeside Hammers’ challenge for the SGB Championship title this weekend when the teams meet twice.

The two sides clash first tonight in Essex, where the Hammers boast an unbeaten home record, before Sunday’s return fixture at Byker which starts one hour later (7.30) than usual.

The Hammers are in second place in the table, two points behind Peterborough but with two matches in hand, and will be no pushovers for the Diamonds in either match.

Nick Morris and Richard Lawson are Lakeside’s main men and are second and third in the SGB Championship averages for the whole of the league, while Adam Ellis is eighth in the standings.

Newcastle team manager George English said: “The Hammers are a very formidable outfit around their home circuit, so I am not expecting a repeat of our result at Sheffield last week.

“However, it is quite possible we could run them close and pick up a consolation point which no other team has done so far. We are starting later than normal on Sunday because a number of track staff will be attending the Newcastle game which kicks off at 4.00, so we are giving everyone the chance to see two great sporting fixtures on the same day.

“I am expecting another close and entertaining meeting at our place and if the racing is as thrilling as last week against Peterborough it will be a great night out.”