Defending champions Horspath Hammers opened their 2006 British Premier League campaign with a 98-79 win over Southampton Saints at the village.

Despite the damp conditions, the racing was top class, and the three Horspath riders making their Premier League debuts all scored solidly.

The Hammers relied heavily on their Polish contingent, tracking four of them, but it was Mark Boaler who stole the show with a four-ride maximum.

Karol Szymanski top-scored, with Steve Harris backing him well.

The rest contributed throughout the order, showing good strength in depth.

Both teams supplied nine race winners and the difference between them was in the last places, Horspath having three to Saints' 15!

f=Helvetica s=6Horspath scorers: M Boaler 15+1, M Szymczak 11+2, S Harris 14+2, L Jozwiak 11, L Osbourne 11, K Szymanski 17+1, C Osbourne 10+3, R Szymczak 9.