Eastbourne inflicted Cradley's first defeat in 30 official fixtures at Arlington.

The visitors pushed the Eagles all the way in a tense struggle in which Bradley Wilson-Dean starred with a 15-point maximum.

His winning ride in heat 15 was sensational as he defeated Cradley's No 1 Max Clegg.

Clegg looked clean way with Wilson-Dean metres adrift until the New Zealander rapidly closed and stormed past Clegg on the back straight of the last lap.

The Eagles finally ran out 52-40 winners at the end of a tense 15 heats.

Eastbourne knew from the off they were in for their biggest battle at home this season as Cradley showed why they are among the favourites to win the league this year.

At the half-way stage the Eagles had eked out a seven point lead which was extended to 11 when the interval was taken after heat ten.

Cradley immediately used the double points tactical rule which brought them a 7-2 heat win as Max Clegg won comfortably. Eastbourne's hopes were dashed from the off when Marc Owen's bike failed from the start.

Two more drawn races followed before Eastbourne rattled in a march-winning 5-1 in heat 14.

Captain David Mason was first to force his way past Ellis Perks before Georgie Wood muscled his away inside Perks on the last lap to give the Eagles a 5-1.

Eastbourne: Bradley Wilson-Dean 15, Mattie Bates 7+1, David Mason 9, Marc Owen 8, Georgie Wood 12+3, Kelsey Dugard 1.

Cradley: Max Clegg 15, Arron Mogridge 3 , Matt Williamson 9, Ellis Perks 0, Nathan Greaves 7+1, Michael Neale 4+2, Luke Harris 2+1