Defending Premier League champions Horspath Hammers overcame a nightmare start to open their new campaign with a 94-80 victory over Wednesfield Aces.

Leading the first heat, Horspath’s Mike Morgans suddenly crashed out, hindering teammate Lewis Osborne and presenting the Aces with a 7-3 lead.

An exclusion for Chris Osborne in the next heat meant Hammers trailed 13-6 after just two races.

However, more consistant results saw Horspath gradually reduce the deficit, and they trailed just 44-42 at the halfway stage.

The hosts then really kicked on, with Steve Harris (17+1), Matty Szymczak (15+1) and Mark Carmichael (15) all outstanding as they eventually recorded a comfortable win.

RESULT Horspath Hammers 94 (L Osborne 12, M Morgans 8+1, S Harris 17+1, C Osborne 7+1, M Szymczak 15+1, M Boaler 11+2, M Carmichael 15, S Rudman 9), Wednesfield Aces 80 (D Ratcliff 9, C Jewkes 15+1, B Higham 6, L Aris 14+1, R Cox 11+1, S Doherty 8+1, M Griffiths 11, T Norman 6).

Hammers then took the Combination match, thanks to a strong showing from veteran duo Mike Burgess (16+2) and Mark Janes (12+1).

RESULT Horspath Hammers 71 (M Burgess 16+2, W Clarke 9+2, M Janes 12+1, L Clarke 6+1, M Coulter 6+1, J Smith 10, M Glover 5+1), Wednesfield Aces 61 (T Deleon 5, M Aris 11, L Draisey 8+1, M Turley 12, TNorman 20, C Evitts 6).

More good news for the Hammers, prior to their big away Premier clash at Poole tomorrow, came after the British Cycling/Sport England confirmation of their Go Ride Clubmark accreditation.