Mikkel Michelsen was hurt in the opening race as Eastbourne carried on from last year away from Arlington.

Eagles, who lost all 14 of their away meetings in 2013, went down 52-37 at champions Poole Pirates last night having led 8-4.

Michelsen was taken out in heat one by Poole guest Craig Cook and, although he continued in the meeting, he suffered pain in his left leg and left shoulder.

The Dane was switched to the opening race in the hope of bringing an early heat win and he did just that to lead a 4-2 but at a cost.

Eagles boss Trevor Geer said: “That was a hell of a smash. Mikkel was lucky he was able to complete the meeting. Cooky was at the back and he picked up grip and ran into Mikkel.”

Poole wiped out that four-point deficit with a 4-2 and two 5-1s in the next three races and pulled away from there, capping their win with a 4-2 and a 5-1 in the last two heats. Geer added: “We move on but it was a very disappointing night.”

Lewis Blackbird was the pick of the Eagles, winning both reserves’ races.

Poole: Pawlicki 13 (5), Janowski 10+2 (5), Newman 9+1 (5), Milik 9 (4), Grajczonek 7+2 (4), Cook 4+1 (4), Smart 0 (0).

Eagles: Pedersen 8 (5), Woodward 8 (5), Blackbird 7+1 (5), Michelsen 6 (4), Lahti 4 (4), Halsey 3 (3), Kylmakorpi 1 (4).