Horspath Hammers returned to British Premier League action in style – thumping newly-promoted East Newport 102-74.

It was a comprehensive team display from the Hammers, who suffered only one heat reverse in the entire match – and that came when Mark Boaler fell.

After two early drawn heats, Horspath enjoyed a brace of 7-3 victories, and never looked back.

Things will be a lot harder tomorrow, however, when Hammers entertain Poole Comets.

Scorers: L Osborne 14+2, P Heard 13+1, C Timms 9, C Osborne 14+1, M Boaler 12+2, M Szymczak 13, S Harris 14+1, M Carmichael 13+4.

Another strong performance from Horspath’s Combination League team saw them beat East Newport 73-56.

Matt Coulter starred with 17 points, and received fine support from Lee Clarke and Mike Burgess.

Scorers: M Burgess 14+1, Z Payne 10+1, M Coulter 17, J Smith 8+3, W Clarke 11+1, L Clarke 13+3.

Hammers hit back to record a thrill-ing 90-90 draw at Swindon in Division 1 of the South & South Wales League.

Horspath were six points down at the half-way stage, however a 6-4 win for Mike Burgess and Jack Smith in the tenth heat and a 7-3 success for Matuesz Szymczak and Matt Coulter in the penultimate race levelled the scores.

Szymczak was unbeaten with last-heat winner Steve Harris dropping just a point.

Scorers: W Clarke 7, S Harris 18+1, M Coulter 12+1, M Burgess 13+2, L Clarke 7+1, M Szymczak 20, J Smith 8, J Neighbour 5.

  • STEVE Harris retained his World Veteran title in Edenton, USA.

Harris was also was a member of England’s successful World Team Cup squad – as was Hammers secondary rider Paul Heard.

  • HORSPATH came fourth in the BJYL at East Newport – George Horsley winning the under 12 event.