LAKESIDE suffered their second defeat of the season as they went down 57-33 against title favourites Poole at Wimborne Road.
The Vortex Hammers were right in contention for a consolation point for the majority of the meeting – trailing by just eight points after 10 heats – before the powerful Pirates came on strong in the closing stages.
It was a difficult night for the Purfleet outfit in what will arguably be their toughest test of the season – but coach Kelvin Tatum felt the result was not an entirely fair reflection of the resilience shown by his side.
Tatum said: "For 10 heats we were right in the meeting and we were fighting really hard, and I’ve got to say that again we showed terrific resilience.
"It was just the three 5-1s in quick succession which put paid to it, and Poole really flexed their muscles towards the end of the meeting.
"Not many teams are going to get anything from Poole if they ride like that, but I have to say I didn’t quite think the score line did us justice in the end."
Grand Prix star Andreas Jonsson again top scored with a hard-fought double figure points haul, whilst Kim Nilsson, Piotr Swiderski and Lewis Kerr all claimed a race win apiece.
Richard Lawson also added a useful five points, but Lewis Bridger and Robert Mear largely struggled as the Hammers ran 12 last places.
They will be back in action and searching for revenge as they host the Pirates at the Arena-Essex Raceway on Friday (8pm).
POOLE 57: Krzysztof Buczkowski 13+1, Brady Kurtz 10+1, Kyle Newman 9+1, Hans Andersen 9, Chris Holder 8+1, Adam Ellis 6+2, Davey Watt 2.
LAKESIDE 33: Andreas Jonsson 10, Kim Nilsson 6, Piotr Swiderski 5+1, Richard Lawson 5, Lewis Kerr 5, Lewis Bridger 1, Robert Mear 1.
