David Mason wants a battle to be No.1 at Eastbourne.

The skipper makes his Eagles debut at the top of the order as they kick for their National League campaign at home to King’s Lynn Young Stars today (3.30pm).

But he expects competition to be top of the averages to be intense.

Bradley Wilson-Dean has been a big hit in the early weeks of the season, winning the Championship of Sussex with a five-ride maximum.

Mason, who belatedly opened his 2015 in that meeting after illness, said: “I could not believe how some of the boys had come on since I saw them at practice.

“The improvement in Georgie Wood and Richard Andrews was fantastic and they will keep improving.

“And Brad has been sensational. He could end up leading the team the way he is going.

“Time will tell. But he has clearly got something.

“Of course I’ll try to score as many points as I can.

“But it doesn’t matter who is No.1 from the team point of view as long as you win meetings.”

Mason missed home and away successes over his old club Kent in the National Trophy and admits the league opener could be tricky against a Lynn side who have already won at Mildenhall.

He said: “I was so disappointed to miss the two Trophy meetings but I was in no shape to ride.

“Even last Sunday I was low on energy after the virus but it was good to get a skid in.”

Kelsey Dugard has been passed fit after a fall last Sunday but Lynn were last night yet to name their team.

Eagles: Mason, Andrews, Owen, Wilson-Dean, Warwick, Dugard, Wood.