LAKESIDE staged a brave fightback but were unable to earn an Elite League point as they went down 52-41 at Poole on Wednesday.
The Vortex Hammers found themselves trailing by 14 points after just five heats – and although they launched a late surge it unfortunately proved too little too late.
There were certainly encouraging signs from the Purfleet outfit in the closing stages as they looked to recover from their shock home defeat against the Pirates in their last outing.
However, coach Kelvin Tatum was once again left frustrated to leave an away meeting empty handed.
Said Tatum: "It’s getting a bit tiring, saying the same thing after every away meeting and it’s frustrating to miss out on a point once again.
"We were all over the place initially, but credit to the team, they battled hard and actually got us back within touching distance.
"Poole always had the upper hand, and although it was a valiant effort under trying circumstances they just had too much strength for us in the end."
Skipper Andreas Jonsson put in a classy display, striking a tactical ride victory in heat six and suffering just one defeat.
His night ended with a heavy fall as he clashed with Hans Andersen in heat 15, but although he did not take his place in the rerun it is understood he escaped without serious injury.
Richard Lawson also bagged two tremendous race victories and joined forces with Kim Nilsson for an impressive 5-1 in heat 13 to keep their hopes of snatching a consolation point alive.
All-action ace Lewis Bridger improved as the night went on to end his evening with a victory, but reserve duo Lewis Kerr and Robert Mear struggled to make an impact against a powerful Poole lower order.
Bjarne Pedersen and Paul Starke piled up a mammoth 23 point total at reserve to lead the hosts and ensure they were able to cover for the lack of a No.2 after a facility for Hammers asset Adam Ellis was withdrawn at the last minute.
POOLE 52: Paul Starke 13+2, Chris Holder 10+1, Bjarne Pedersen 10+1, Hans Andersen 7, Brady Kurtz 6+3, Krzysztof Buczkowski 6, (Six riders only).
LAKESIDE 41: Andreas Jonsson 13+1, Richard Lawson 9+1, Kim Nilsson 7+2, Lewis Bridger 7+1, Robert Mear 5, Lewis Kerr 0, Edward Kennett R/R.
