Arena Essex's challenge match against Eastbourne tonight has been cancelled.

But speedway fans can still catch racing at the Purfleet Raceway tonight, courtesy of Peterborough. The Northamptonshire team were loaned the track by the Hammers to host their Elite League match against Oxford.

The cut off for qualification for the play-off competition ends tomorrow and the Panthers' management found their Alwalton venue was not available for tonight's fixture.

"The bad weather seen during the summer has affected all tracks but some more than others," said Hammers promoter Ronnie Russell.

"Here at Arena we lost four home matches due to rain but we still managed to complete our home fixtures before the deadline of Thursday, September 16.

The next home meeting involving the Hammers is on Wednesday, September 29, when they entertain a Polish Touring side in an International Challenge match. There will not be a meeting at Purfleet on Wednesday, September 22.

Published Wednesday September 15, 2004

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