Incessant rain that started three hours before the scheduled start time forced the postponement of the premier League match at the Purfleet Raceway on Friday between Arena Essex and Kings Lynn.

Persistent earlier rain had saturated the track with further inclement weather forecast.

Arena were looking to overturn a six-point deficit incurred two nights earlier in the hope of taking their second bonus point of the season.

Although the Hammers were due to be without Henning Bager, who was riding in the Danish Championships but failed to qualify collecting just five points.

Explaining Friday's call-off, promoter Ronnie Russell said, "There was no alternative but to postpone the meeting.

"I'm not prepared to cheat our supporters by providing a surface that might be rideable but not raceable.

"They pay good money to watch a meeting and deserve to be entertained.

"That's why we took the decision to postpone early and hopefully, it prevented people from travelling unnecessarily."

There is no news of the restaging dates nor those for the Knock Out Cup replay with Rye House. "The Rye dates are causing a real headache," admitted Russell.

"Ideally, we want the fixtures to be back-to-back because I think it increases the interest and the atmosphere.

"I'm talking to Len Silver about suitable dates but it's not easy because both clubs already have fixtures pencilled in which will need re-scheduling. Hopefully, the matter will be sorted out shortly."

Published Monday, April 28, 2003

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