Despite collecting the bonus point when suffering a 52-41 SkyBet Elite League defeat at Coventry, Arena Essex paid a heavy price.
The match took place in wretched conditions when rain falling before the start led to an awkward surface. Then further rain during the meeting compounded the problems.
The two captains, Andreas Jonsson of Coventry and Arena's Kelvin Tatum, voiced concerns over the track's fitness for riding as early as heat two, but the action went ahead.
Arena lost Josh Larsen, who was taken to hospital with a suspected broken ankle after heat seven.
Leigh Lanham aggravated pelvic and hip injuries in his third ride and withdrew while Paul Hurry also pulled out after four rides as the persistent jarring on the surface was causing pain to his damaged arm.
Published Monday July 19, 2004
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