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Post by Administrator on Jun 3, 2013 11:55:03 GMT
THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE Friday 3rd June 2013 THE HAMMERS FACE THE BEES TONIGHT The Vortex Hammers take to their Arena Essex Raceway this evening in a vital Sky Ports Elite League match against the Coventry Bees. The meeting will start at the earlier time of 7.30pm. The admission prices for this meeting are: - £17 for adults, £14 for Senior Citizens, Students and Disabled, £12 for Unemployed and 17 and 18 year olds, just £1 for Children aged six to sixteen inclusive and children under the age of six admitted free of charge provided they are accompanied by a paying adult. Proof of age or status may be requested. Parking is free in the grounds of the Raceway. Fans are reminded to retain their admission tickets from tonight’s meeting as on production of them on Friday, when the Hammers face the Poole Pirates, admission will be reduced to just £10 with the Child price remaining at £1. In addition any Coventry fans making the trip down from the Midlands this evening will be allowed admission at just £10 on production of a Coventry home programme from this season. The entrance for these Coventry supporters will via the double gates at the top of the approach road. All regular tickets may be purchased on the night but, alternatively, they are also available in advance online via the Club’s website at www.lakesidehammers.coThe Vortex Hammers go into this evening’s meeting at full strength and will, therefore, see the debut of their new signing the former Polish Grand Prix star Sebastian Ulamek. Coventry will be led by the seven times British champion, Scott Nicholls, and former Hammer Krzysztof Kasprzak, who finished on the rostrum in third place at last Saturday’s British Grand Prix, which took place at the Millennium Stadium Cardiff . Many believe that Kasprzak was unfortunate not to win the event as he was leading the Final when it was stopped. In the rerun he was holding second place but eventually finished third after an attempt to take the lead on the final bend failed and he was overtaken by Niels Kristian Iversen. Joining the top duo from Coventry will be former Hammers riders, Stuart Robson and Oliver Allen, Polish riders Grzegorz Zengota and Michal Szczepaniak plus Australian Aaron Summers. The Vortex Hammers go into tonight’s match hot on a winning run of four matches (two at home and two away) and Coventry gained maximum League points from their home and away victories against Peterborough on the end of May Bank Holiday Monday so it is all nicely set up for a great battle between two of the on form sides in the Elite League.
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Post by Administrator on Jun 5, 2013 11:12:02 GMT
THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE Wednesday 5th June 2013 THE VORTEX HAMMERS ADD DOOLAN TO THE PACK The Vortex Lakeside Hammers have moved to strengthen their Sky Sports Elite League Play Off challenge by signing Leicester’s Australian star Kevin Doolan as a Double Up rider. Doolan will replace Robert Mear, who will be concentrating on his Rye House commitments, and joins the team after a starring performance as a guest for King’s Lynn in the recent Sky Sports live match at Poole. The Vortex Hammers Co Promoter Jon Cook explained: "Me and Rob (Mear) had a heart to heart chat last night and we both agreed it's best for him to step down at the moment. He is a great lad and it's no pleasure for any of us to see him out of form. Hopefully Rye and the Premier League will do him the world of good and he will continue to play a big part at the Club where his work at the Academy with the youngsters is terrific". On the addition of Doolan Cook continued: "Kev is in great form and is a great guy to boot. I was shocked he hadn't been snapped up by one of our rivals after his performance on Sky Sports and was delighted when he agreed straight away to join us. My thanks go to our friends at Leicester for making it such a quick and easy move." Kevin will make his debut this Friday, 7th June, against the Poole Pirates at the Arena Essex Raceway, the home of the Vortex Lakeside Hammers, which means that Adam Ellis will not feature for the time being, although it is planned to give him a couple of run outs in the months ahead.
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Post by Administrator on Jun 6, 2013 7:47:22 GMT
THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE Thursday 6th June 2013 THE HARD WORK STARTS NOW SAYS VORTEX HAMMERS BOSS The Vortex Lakeside Hammers Co Promoter Jon Cook says his team need to keep their feet on the ground and focus this week as the Poole Pirates visit in red hot Friday action at the Arena Essex Raceway. Says Cook: "Rebuilding the team has overnight put us amongst the favourites and we now need to concentrate match by match and fulfil the full potential that is there for all to see". Fans will see the debut of new signing Kevin Doolan as well as the second appearance of fellow new boy Seb Ulamek. Supporters who purchased tickets for Monday's home match against Coventry meeting are reminded that they need to bring those tickets with them on Friday to take advantage of the special £10 entry offer. They will need to enter the Raceway at the main double gates at the top of the approach road and NOT through the normal paybooths. Please be aware that only cash or cheques will be accepted at that gate for this offer. Joining the new signings, Australian Kevin Doolan and Pole Seb Ulamek, in the Vortex Hammers team will be Australian Davey Watt, Pole Piotr Swiderski and Swede Peter Karlsson plus British riders Lewis Bridger and Richard Lawson. The Poole Pirates will be led by Australian Chris Holder, who is the current World Speedway Champion. They also had four Polish riders in their team in Przemyslaw Pawlicki, Maciej Janowski, Dawid Stachyra and Robert Miskowiak although Miskowiak has decided to stop racing in this country and the Pirates will, therefore, utilise the ‘Rider Replacement’ facility to cover his rides. Their Swedish rider, Thomas H Jonasson, will also miss the meeting after sustaining an injury whilst riding on the continent. His place, at reserve, will be taken by Leigh Lanham, who became a legend at the Arena Essex Raceway having ridden for the Hammers between 1998 and 2008. He now rides for his home town club Ipswich in the Premier League. The final member of the Poole team is Australian Rohan Tungate, who combines riding for the Pirates in the Elite League with Premier League action for Ipswich alongside Lanham. Friday’s action gets underway at the Arena Essex Raceway, the home of the Vortex Lakeside Hammers at 8pm, with the Grand Parade of the riders scheduled for 7.50pm. With the weather forecast set to be hot and the opportunity of seeing the current World Champion, Chris Holder, in action a big crowd is anticipated so it is suggested that fans turn up to this event as early as possible.
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Post by Administrator on Jun 11, 2013 7:46:46 GMT
THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE Tuesday 11th June 2013 UNDER PAR HAMMERS
The Vortex Hammers unbeaten run came to an end at Wolverhampton on Monday as the home side took two 5-1's in Heats 14 and 15 to seal all three Sky Sports Elite League points. Despite the season’s worst performances from Captain Davey Watt and Piotr Swiderski the Vortex Hammers led the for much of the match led by an inspired performance from Peter Karlsson and another stunning display from reserve Richard Lawson, which included a superb victory over veteran multi British Champion Scott Nicholls but with only Lewis Bridger and Seb Ulamek providing significant support the Essex side were eventually overhauled by the current League leaders. Jon Cook, the Vortex Hammers Co Promoter, commented after just this defeat stating: "Our feet are firmly back on the ground after a great run of seven wins on the trot and we now need to set up for revenge against the Wolves, who are our next visitors to the Arena Essex Raceway a week on Friday (21st June). Several riders weren't at their best tonight but we win or lose as a team and we can put that right quickly on the 21st." The defeat comes just days after the first fine summer weather had seen a crowd of over 1500 pack the Arena Essex Raceway to see the Vortex sponsored Lakeside Hammers side easily see off the Poole Pirates and Cook concluded: "It's important we don't let one defeat ruin the feel good factor and concentrate on the many positives our turn in form has brought"
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Post by Administrator on Jun 17, 2013 16:03:30 GMT
THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE Monday 17th June 2013 ‘KIDS FOR A QUID’ SCHEME MADE PERMANENT The Vortex Lakeside Hammers are extending their holiday time ‘Kids for a Quid’ scheme to cover all meetings starting with this Friday’s Play Off showdown against the Wolverhampton Wolves. It follows on from the Club’s third highest Friday crowd seen in seven seasons a fortnight ago when the Poole Pirates were the visitors and the scheme for children operated as a one off reduction. The Vortex Hammers Co Promoter, Jon Cook, explained: "Our crowd against Poole came out of the blue after a very poor run of attendances during the very drab spring and what was evident for all to see was the upsurge in families with young kids enjoying a night of racing. By extending the ‘Kids for a Quid’ scheme we hope that, with the weather now warming up, we can encourage more families to enjoy an evening with us." The Club also confirmed that, after considering offers from three clubs, young Swede Kim Nilsson had decided to spend the rest of the season on loan at Eastbourne.
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Post by Administrator on Jun 20, 2013 12:27:39 GMT
THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE Thursday 20th June 2013 THE HAMMERS TARGET MAXIMUM POINTS
The Vortex Lakeside Hammers aim to bounce back from their only defeat in seven matches when they meet the League leaders, the Wolverhampton Wolves in the return Elite League fixture at the Arena Essex Raceway on Friday evening. The Vortex Hammers Co Promoter Jon Cook stated: "We need three League points to keep the fight for Play Off qualification a five horse race and can't relax just because our rivals have injury problems. Both our tracks are very similar and Wolves have the best record of any visiting team to our Raceway." The meeting is the first since the Club announced a permanent switch to reduced kids admission of just £1 for all school age children up to and including the age of 16. The teams for Friday are:- The Vortex Hammers: Peter Karlsson, Lewis Bridger, Seb Ulamek, Piotr Swiderski, Davey Watt, Tyson Nelson and Kevin Doolan. .Wolverhampton Wolves: Fredrik Lindgren, Alex Davies, Ricky Wells, Adam Skornicki, Ryan Fisher, Ludvig Lindgren and Jacob Thorssell.
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Post by Administrator on Jun 28, 2013 8:00:13 GMT
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Post by Administrator on Jul 3, 2013 9:22:30 GMT
THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE Wednesday 3rd July 2013 THE ACES FIRST UP FOR THE HAMMERS A glorious summer of regular Friday night Speedway kicks off at the Arena Essex Raceway this Friday, 5th July, when the Vortex Lakeside Hammers take on the sport’s oldest club, the legendary Belle Vue Aces. The Vortex Hammers currently sit inside the Play Off positions and will be aiming for the maximum three League points to keep their place inside the top four. The meeting starts a run six week run of regular Friday racing, which will determine the Vortex backed side’s title aspirations as well as showcase the clubs development policy. Visits from title rivals Swindon on the 12th July, King’s Lynn on 26th July and Birmingham on 2nd August are followed by the always competitive local derby with Eastbourne on 9th August and while the Sky Sports Elite League shuts down for the Speedway World Cup week the Hammers will be staging an Amateur Meeting on Friday 19th July backed by Hagon Shocks and Ride N Slide Days to show off emerging talent of all ages at a reduction admission of £5 for adults with all kids free. The Vortex Hammers Co Promoter Jon Cook commented: "Our focus is on grabbing a Play Off place and after a stop start fixture run due to the reduced meeting numbers we are really looking forward to providing a regular fix of Speedway to our fans over the next six weeks" The action gets underway this Friday with the parade of riders at 7.50pm followed by the first of the fifteen heats at 8pm. Normal admission prices apply, which see kids between the ages of six and sixteen inclusive admitted for just £1. Tickets are available on the night at the paybooths or in advance via the Club’s website at www.lakesidehammers.coThe teams for Friday are (in alphabetical order):- The Vortex Hammers: Lewis Bridger, Kevin Doolan, Magnus Karlsson (Guest for Richard Lawson), Peter Karlsson, Piotr Swiderski, Seb Ulamek and Davey Watt (captain). Belle Vue Aces: Craig Cook (Rider Replacement), Ales Dryml (Captain), Kauko Nieminen, Ulrich Ostergaard, Kevin Wolbert, Matej Zagar and Magnus Zetterstrom.
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Post by Administrator on Jul 6, 2013 10:13:59 GMT
THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE Saturday 6th July 2013 LAST HEAT HEROES
The Vortex Hammers Co Promoter Jon Cook praised last heat heroes Piotr Swiderski and Lewis Bridger as the team came back from losing their No.1 Peter Karlsson to grab all three Sky Sports Elite League points against the Belle Vue Aces last night at the Arena Essex Raceway. Jon Cook commented on the vital victory over the Aces stating: "Piotr (Swiderski) has been absolutely top drawer the last few weeks and LBR (Lewis Bridger) last night was magnificent and but for a fall in heat six would have been unbeaten. Heat fifteen was a fantastic climax to the night and Lewis' re-pass of Zagar followed by Piotr to gain all three League points was up there as the race of the season in front of yet another big crowd. The season is really alive now and we can't wait for the visit of Swindon in six days (Friday 12th July) and the timely return of Richard Lawson, who we really missed yesterday." In a close, hard fought match the Vortex Hammers finally came out victorious by 52-38 with Piotr Swiderski top scoring with paid fourteen points from his five rides. He was well supported by Lewis Bridger (paid twelve points from five rides) and the captain Davey Watt (ten points from four rides). Vital points were also scored by Kevin Doolan (paid eight from six rides) Seb Ulamek (paid six from four), Peter Karlsson (six points from three rides) and the one point scored by Magnus Karlsson the guest replacement for Richard Lawson. Following two victories from his first two rides Peter Karlsson was involved in a very nasty looking crash in his third ride but was eventually able to walk back to the pits although he was unable to continue in the meeting. He will feel very battered and bruised this morning but everyone present at the Raceway was relieved to see him get up from the crash. Belle Vue’s Grand Prix star, Matej Zagar, topped scored for the Manchester based side with twelve points from six rides with former Hammer, Kauko Nieminen, providing the main support with eleven points from his six rides. Prior to the Vortex Hammers next home match next Friday, 12th July, against the Swindon Robins they have to visit the Birmingham Brummies on Wednesday, 10th July. Currently the Brummies are in second place in the Sky Sports Elite League table two points behind the leaders, Wolverhampton, and four points ahead of the Vortex Hammers, who are in third place. Swindon are in fourth place just one point behind the Hammers. With the top four teams in the League at the end of the season due to contest the Play Offs for the Elite League title the two matches next week for the Vortex Hammers could be have a big say in the final League positions.
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Post by Administrator on Jul 24, 2013 7:04:31 GMT
NELSON JOINS THE VORTEX HAMMERS
The Vortex Lakeside Hammers have moved to bolster their challenge for a place in the Sky Sports Elite League Play Offs with the addition to the team of Rye House’s Tyson Nelson, who will make his debut this Friday, 26th July, in the home clash against King’s Lynn Stars. Nelson, the 20 year old from Australia, joins the team as a Double Up rider replacing his fellow Australian Kevin Doolan and will be under the guidance of the all time Hammers legend Andrew Silver. Jon Cook, the Vortex Hammers co Promoter explained: "We feel we have reached the stage of the year where to reach the Play Offs we need a wildcard and Tyson is it. He's in tremendous form of late and absolutely lit up the Raceway when he appeared for us as a guest in the match against Wolverhampton last month and I know the fans will be very excited about his addition to the team. I would like to thank Len Silver from Rye House for agreeing to the move and also thank Kev (Doolan) for his efforts and his understanding of the situation."
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Post by Administrator on Jul 25, 2013 14:13:11 GMT
THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE Thursday 25th July 2013 THREE HORSE RACE FOR FINAL PLAY OFF PLACE
The Vortex Hammers Co Promoter Jon Cook believes that the Essex based team are in a three club battle for the final Sky Sports Elite League Play Off spot with the Poole Pirates and this Friday’s visitors the King’s Lynn Stars and that neither the Hammers nor the Stars can afford to slip up when the teams meet home and away over the next six days. The Vortex Hammers will welcome back their top two, Peter Karlsson and Davey Watt, as well as new signing Tyson Nelson for Friday’s vital match. With the school holidays now upon us children's admission of just £1 for all ages from six up to and including sixteen will continue to operate until the end of the season. The Vortex Hammers go into Friday’s match at full strength with Lewis Bridger, fresh from his appearance for Great Britain in the World Cup Race Off, Richard Lawson, Piotr Swiderski and Sebastian Ulamek joining Karlsson, Watt and Nelson. The Stars will be led the Danish World Cup captain Niels Kristian Iversen and will also include Andzejs Lebedevs, who also competed in the recent World Cup for Latvia. Also included in the stars side are three other Danish riders, Lasse Bjerre, Mads Korneliussen and Nicklas Porsing, Australian Rory Schlein and former Hammer Richie Worrall. The action gets underway at the Arena Essex Raceway this Friday, 26th July, with the parade of riders at 7.45pm followed by the first race at 8pm.
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Post by Administrator on Jul 31, 2013 8:32:13 GMT
THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE Wednesday 31st July 2013 THE VORTEX HAMMERS FACE TOP TABLE TOPPERS TASK
The Vortex Hammers will take on the Sky Sports Elite League leaders Birmingham this Friday, 2nd August, at the Arena Essex Raceway as well as Danish wonder kid Mikkel Bech, who replaces Josh Auty in the Brummies line up. Jon Cook, the Vortex Hammers Co Promoter, states: "We will need to be at the top of our game as we must secure three more Elite League points in the race to stay in the top four. The addition of Bech certainly strengthens the opposition and also provides our fans with the attraction of seeing one of the World’s most talked about riders." The Vortex Hammers go into this vital meeting with the same team that defeated King’s Lynn last Friday at the Arena Essex Raceway but will be looking for more consistency within the team by cutting out the number of last places but to continue providing the majority of race winners. The Birmingham Brummies line up will see Edward Kennett come in at No.1 to replace Chris Harris, who sustained a broken collarbone at Eastbourne on Monday. He is joined in their top five by their captain, and former Hammers rider, Daniel King, Ben Barker and German Martin Smolinski. The ‘Rider Replacement’ facility will be used to cover Australian Jason Doyle’s rides as he will be racing for his Premier League side Somerset the same evening. The Brummies will also have to bring in replacement riders at reserve as Josh Auty will be riding for his Premier League side Scunthorpe whilst Nicolas Covatti will be in Italy preparing for Saturday’s Grand Prix there in which he will be the ‘Wild Card’. The exciting young Danish prospect Mikkel Bech Jensen, who recently joined Plymouth in the Premier League, comes in for Auty whilst the Brummies Management are yet to announce who will replace Covatti. The action gets underway on Friday at the usual start time of 8pm. Teams (in alphabetical order):- Vortex Hammers: Lewis Bridger, Kevin Doolan, Peter Karlsson, Richard Lawson, Piotr Swiderski, Sebastian Ulamek and Davey Watt (captain). Birmingham Brummies: Ben Barker, Jason Doyle (Rider Replacement), Edward Kennett (Guest for Chris Harris), Daniel King (captain), Mikkel Bech Jensen (Guest for Josh Auty) and Martin Smolinski plus a rider still to be confirmed (Guest for Nicolas Covatti).
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Post by Administrator on Aug 7, 2013 8:29:12 GMT
THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE Wednesday 7th August 2013 LOCAL RIVALRY RENEWED The Lakeside Vortex Hammers hopes for Sky Sports Elite League Play Off qualification will have to withstand the pressure of a local derby this Friday, 9th August, at the Arena Essex Raceway as the Eastbourne Eagles visit. Whilst the Eagles are not in contention for a top four finish they have strengthened their team with the addition of young Danish sensation Mikkel Michelson and clashes between the two teams are rarely without incident. The Vortex Hammers make a change to their riding order on Friday with Polish rider Sebastian Ulamek and British International Lewis Bridger changing numbers on a busy night for the Pole who flies to Russia from Heathrow later in the evening for a round of the European Championship Finals. He, therefore, will miss Saturday’s return match at Eastbourne as do the Eagles Mikkel Michelson and Cameron Woodward. Michelsen will be at Berwick for Round Two of the World U-21 Finals whilst Woodward will be competing in Europe in a round of the World Longtrack Grand Prix. Friday’s meeting will see the Vortex Hammers at full strength and the Eastbourne Eagles will be just missing their Czech Republic World Cup rider Lukas Dryml who remains injured. They will use the ‘Rider Replacement’ facility to cover his rides. The two teams for Friday’s mach at the Arena Essex Raceway are (in alphabetical order):- The Vortex Lakeside Hammers: Lewis Bridger, Kevin Doolan, Peter Karlsson, Richard Lawson, Piotr Swiderski, Sebastian Ulamek and Davey Watt (captain). Eastbourne Lifestyle Eagles: Lukas Dryml (Rider Replacement), Simon Gustafsson, Limo Lahti , Mikkel Michelsen, Kim Nilsson, Bjarne Pedersen and Cameron Woodward (captain). The action gets underway at the Arena Essex Raceway this Friday at the slightly earlier first race time of 7.45pm with the parade of riders scheduled for 7.35pm. The ‘Kids for a Quid’ scheme will be in operation for this meeting whereby children aged six to sixteen inclusive will pay just £1 to watch this important match. Normal adult and other concessionary ticket prices will apply. Tickets will be available on the night at the paybooths or can be purchased in advanced via the Club’s website at www.lakesidehammers.com
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Post by Administrator on Aug 15, 2013 14:35:52 GMT
THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE Thursday 15th August 2013 PIRATES DEFEAT OPENS PLAY OFF RACE The Vortex Hammers are now in a four horse race for Elite League Play Off qualification following the Peterborough Panthers stunning defeat of Poole on Wednesday evening. The Panthers now have an outside chance of making the final four and the Hammers visit their East of England Showground track next Monday 19th August in a match that will be shown live on Sky Sports. Meanwhile, it's just over a week to the final home Sky Sports League fixture of the year for the Vortex Hammers where they take on the Poole Pirates at the Arena Essex Raceway on Friday 23rd August and that is now a match that neither team can afford to lose. Jon Cook, the Vortex Hammers Co Promoter, commented: "Next Friday, 23rd August, will be its own mini Play Off and to have both Greg Hancock and Darcy Ward on track against us in that race for three League points guarantees a spectacular end to the League fixture list with our most attractive meet yet. We are all determined it won't be the last of 2013". The action gets underway at the Arena Essex Raceway on Friday 23rd August at the usual start time of 8pm with the parade of riders scheduled for 7.45pm. The ‘Kids for a Quid’ scheme will be in operation for this meeting whereby children aged six to sixteen inclusive will pay just £1 to watch this vital match for both clubs. The other admission prices are: - £17 for adults, £14 for Senior Citizens, Students and Disabled, £12 for Unemployed and 17 and 18 year olds with children under the age of six admitted free of charge provided they are accompanied by a paying adult. Proof of age or status may be requested. Parking is free in the grounds of the Raceway. Tickets will be available on the night at the paybooths or can be purchased in advanced via the Club’s website at www.lakesidehammers.com
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Post by Administrator on Aug 19, 2013 7:39:50 GMT
THE VORTEX LAKESIDE HAMMERS PRESS RELEASE Monday 19th August 2013 SEB TARGETS EARLY RETURN
The Vortex Hammers have been boosted by the news that Sebastian Ulamek hopes to be back in action for the team’s visit to Poole on Monday 2nd September, a match that is scheduled to be shown live on Sky Sports. The news comes as a welcome boost after their number one target, Peter Ljung, had to pull out of a return to the Club after being unable to reschedule off track commitments. It's a massive week for the Club with all eyes on this Friday’s visit of Poole when anything other than a victory by at least seven points resulting in the maximum three League points is likely to end the Vortex Hammers hopes of Play Off qualification and will, therefore, bring an end to their season. Co promoter Jon Cook commented: "Obviously Peter’s (Ljung) news was a blow but Seb (Ulamek) is working hard to be back and our move in date of the fixture against Swindon means that Seb could be back for half of our remaining meetings." Jon Cook also confirmed that defeat will bring the curtain down on the Hammers season. He continued saying: "Our crowds have proved time and again that they are only interested in watching official fixtures in suitable numbers and, therefore, there will be no more senior action if we fail to qualify for the Play Offs. I know the boys are determined this will not be the last Essex will see of the 2013 Vortex Hammers."
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