Kelvin Tatum finished second in the opening Grand Prix round of the world long track championship in Germany.

The Horsham star was beaten in the final at Parchim by Gerd Riss, of Germany, with another home rider, Bernd Deiner in third place.

It means Riss starts the chase for the world title with 25 points, while Tatum, the reigning champion, has 20 points.

Tatum had three wins and a second place in the qualifying event, his only defeat again being at the hands of Riss.

Said Tatum: "Gerd was top man on the day and dominated the meeting. It was a little disappointing, but there are three more rounds to go."

The meeting at Parchim was held on a sand track, but the next round at Tonbridge on August 19 is on grass.

The multi-talented Tatum was in speedway action two days later when he answered an SOS from Swedish team Indianerna Kumla and helped them to victory.

Meanwhile, Eastbourne Eaglets are still flying high. They made it three wins and a draw in four Southern Junior League outings by winning 25-11 at Rye House.

Chris Geer led the scorers with nine points, while Matt Fern and Daniel Giffard scored six and Barrie Geer four.

Giffard won both his races after earlier having seven rides for Rye House in their Conference League win over Boston.

Polish ace Tomasz Bajerski has joined King's Lynn after Eastbourne obtained a work permit for him to ride for Eagles.

Said disappointed Eastbourne boss Jon Cook: "There was nothing we could do about it.

"His Polish club would not release him to ride for us because we race on Saturdays, but they have let him go to King's Lynn."