Oxford Silver Machine 49, Arena Essex 41: The Oxford Silver Machine Elite League revival is on after another nail-biter last night, this time against Arena Essex at Oxford Stadium.

The battle of speedway's basement boys was always close, but skipper Greg Hancock and Niels Kristian Iversen rose to the occasion in the last heat to seal the points, including the bonus.

For Iversen, it completed a paid maximum, while Hancock dropped only one point for his 14. The rest played their parts with some gutsy riding.

Last night also saw the return of the 'Californian Kid' Billy Hamill and the debut of Russian new boy Renat Gafurov as the Silver Machine began their bid to move away from the foot of the table.

Hamill, out of action since late March with horrific injuries, did not gate in his usual slick style, but had his moments with victory in heat seven and a thrilling dash off the pits bend to collar Gary Havelock for second place in heat 11.

He finished on six points and will be happy with that.

Gafurov, one of three Russians on view last night, showed he has plenty of potential and speed, but sometimes struggled as he sampled Sandy Lane for the first time.

However, he won the fans over with a superb effort in heat 12 as he tracked Leigh Lanham and Josh Larsen for three laps before a mistake by Larsen allowed him to steam through and join Henka Gustfasson for a 5-1.

After a great start with a 5-1 in the opener, Silver Machine fans had their hearts in their mouths as Jamie Courtney and Gustafsson came crashing down at the pits bend in a nasty-looking smash.

Gustafsson limped away, but young Courtney was clearly concussed and had to sit out the rest of the meeting.

There was a heroic effort from Travis McGowan in heat six as he rode like a demon to get past former world champion Mark Loram to join up with Hancock, but a snapped chain on the final turn put paid to a 5-1.

He more than made up for it with a punishing late burst in heat ten to take maximum points with Hancock.

Gustafsson carried on gallantly after his crash, despite needing ice treatment between races. He took seven rides and paid nine was a great effort.

The Hammers led 20-16 after six heats, but once the Silver Machine drew level in heat seven, they gradually wore down the opposition.

The heat 12 effort from Gustafsson and Gafurov gave them the daylight they needed to complete a fine victory with that dramatic final heat.

Oxford: Iversen 14+1, Hancock 14, Gustafsson 8+1, Hamill 6, McGowan 5+3, Gafurov 2+1, Courtney 0. 49pts.

Arena Essex: Povazhny 12, Loram 9, Darkin 5, Havelock 4, Lanham 4, Larsen 4, Hurry 3. 41pts.