THE Lakeside Hammers will now visit Premier League side and local rivals Rye House in a Challenge match on Easter Monday, April 9.

Speaking about the fixture Hammers boss Stuart Douglas said: "I am delighted that we are going to Rye House and I would like to thank their Promoter Len Silver for inviting us.

"It is yet another sign of the co-operation between the two clubs.

"Len has been of great help to me in what is my first season as the new owner of the Hammers.

"There is likely to be a bumper crowd attending this local derby and matches between the two sides in the past, when the Hammers were in the Premier League, were always closely-contested.

"This Challenge match against the Rockets is likely to prove a very interesting encounter."

Meanwhile the Hammers are looking to allow their fans access to the pit area prior to the start of their home meetings this coming season.

Co-Promoter Jon Cook is fully in support of this decision.

He said: "Speedway is one of the few sports where the fans can get really close to their sporting heroes to see how the riders prepare for matches from close range."