Cup final preparations underway

LAKESIDE Hammers intend finishing the year on a high when they stage their final home meeting of the 2009 season this Friday, , at their Arena-Essex Raceway.

They take on the Coventry Bees in the 1st leg of the Elite League Knockout Cup Final.

Initially there were plans to stage a further home meeting on Friday 16th October against Premier League club, the Rye House Rockets, but following the success of the Rockets in the Young Shield competition these have had to be shelved.

The Rockets now have to travel to Scunthorpe that evening for the away leg of their semi final tie. Unfortunately, despite looking for alternative opposition, no suitable opponents could be found plus the unavailability of the Hammers Raceway after 16th October has resulted in this Friday's meeting becoming the final time that the Hammers will race on their home track this year.

The 2nd leg of the Elite League Knockout Cup will take place at Coventry's Brandon Stadium on Friday 23rd October but the Hammers fans will have the opportunity of seeing their team in action between these two legs of the Final as a Hammers team will travel to Hoddesdon on Saturday 10th October to take on the Rye House Rockets.

It is going to be a busy evening at the Hammers Raceway this Friday as, in addition to the 15 heats of action in the 1st leg of the Cup Final against the Bees, there will also be a six heat, four a side match involving riders on vintage bikes in the famous colours of the Hackney Hawks and the Romford Bombers.

These meetings will be followed by fireworks and the traditional end of season farewells from the riders. The presentation of the Hammers 'Rider of the Year' will also be made.

In view of these additional races the veterans will commence their meeting at 7.15pm with the Cup Final following on at 8pm. Normal admission prices will apply, which are:- Adults - �15, Senior Citizens, Students and Disabled - �11, Unemployed - �10, Children 6-15 - �3 with children under 6 free.