Heavy rain forced the Premier Trophy match between Arena Essex and Newport to be abandoned after only two heats.

The score stood at six points each when the drizzle at the Purfleet Raceway turned heavier and conditions worsened during heat three.

Referee Frank Ebdon halted the proceedings and called for a track inspection 15 minutes later but it was decided that with the track saturated it was dangerous to continue.

"The referee made the decision to abandon the meeting in the interests of safety, a decision which we fully uphold being concerned for the safety of all riders," said home promoter Colin Brine.

In the opening heat Hammers skipper Colin White trapped quickly to set up a decisive advantage with Anders Hendriksson and Chris Neath taking the minor honours ahead of Matt Read, who paid the price for a sluggish start.

David Mason continued his trend of winning second heats after charging ahead of the pack.

But it was not so easy for his partner, the recalled Gary Phelps, who found himself second until he brushed the safety fence.

Newport rider Craig Taylor grabbed the opportunity to overtake before Phelps moved wide again at the turn to allow Lee Herne to swoop past.

The third heat saw heavy rain falling and Gary Corbett pirouetting around the pits turn prior to coming off.

Andrew Appleton and Jan Pederson spotted the danger and, although they clipped the fallen rider's machine, suffered no ill effects.

Chris Neath ended up the sole rider upright when Mr Ebdon called a halt to the heat.

Speedway supporters are reminded that their programme for Friday's match will be valid for entry to one of the next three meetings at Arena Essex.

May 19 has been pencilled ion as a possible date for the rematch with Newport, while Hammers will travel to Exeter on May 18 in the Premier Trophy.

Then on May 25 they will head off to Swindon in the same competition.

Negotiations to bring talented 16-year-old Barrie Evans to Arena Essex have been put on hold with the issue still unresolved.

With Arena's promoters anxious to find a quick replacement for broken leg victim Nick Simmons, it is possible they may seek a solution elsewhere.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.