Arena Essex beat Oxford 57-38 at the Purfleet Raceway last night in their Elite League battle to claim all three points on offer and maintain their play-off bid.

Leigh Lanham - in fine form for Arena Essex Picture: MAXINE CLARKE KKCH354

The visitors had few answers to a buoyant home side for whom both reserves were in scintillating form.

Josh Larsen and Leigh Lanham gathered a massive combined 25 points haul with the American marking his return from injury with a paid maximum.

Hammers' captain Lanham was only beaten by a visiting rider on one occasion - and that was in the nominated heat.

With Mark Loram also reeling off four wins in his five rides, it was left to Greg Hancock to provide the only realistic challenge for an Oxford side that were also looking to grab the bonus point following their 11 points win on their own Cowley track when the teams met last month.

Promoter and team manager Ronnie Russell said: "I don't think too many people would have expected us to gain the victory in the manner with such little fuss.

"It was another good meeting in front of the Sky cameras and I'm sure that people watching around the country will have been impressed with our performance, particularly our two reserves who could prove key personnel for us in the next month as we try and accomplish the play-off place and reach the final of the knockout cup."

Arena are in Elite League action at Peterborough tomorrow but with Mark Loram on Grand Prix duty, Russell has drafted in David Norris from Eastbourne as a guest.

Published Thursday September 2, 2004

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