Arena Essex gained a 14-point lead to take to Newcastle in the return leg of this quarter final Knockout Cup tie between the sides when they beat the north-east side 55-41 on Friday night at the Purfleet Raceway.
An enthralling match produced two star acts for the Hammers, with Leigh Lanham completing a five-ride maximum in untroubled fashion, while reserve Joel Parsons scored nine points on his home debut, including two race wins.
Lanham was never headed throughout the evening to act as the cornerstone for his side's success, but it was Parsons who captured the attention.
Standing in for injured Andy Galvin, Conference League rider Parsons proved a massive hit with the home supporters.
Ronnie Russell paid full credit to all the members of his team, saying: "Everyone played their full part in obtaining what I believe will be a tie-winning result.
"I shall be very disappointed if we can't defend our advantage when we race the return at the end of July."
Published Monday, June 30, 2003
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