HAMMERS No.1 Lee Richardson had a lucky escape from long-term injury following his crash on Saturday in the opening heat of the home league match against the Coventry Bees.

HAMMERS No.1 Lee Richardson had a lucky escape from long-term injury following his crash on Saturday in the opening heat of the home league match against the Coventry Bees.

Fortunately early fears of him sustaining broken ribs and a shoulder injury proved unfounded and he has escaped with bruising and should be back in time for this Friday's home make or break clash with local rivals, the Ipswich Witches.