Eagles keep cup hope alive (From The Argus)

Eagles keep cup hope alive

10:10pm Wednesday 14th September 2011 in Eagles news

Eastbourne have taken a big step towards reaching their third Knockout Cup final in four seasons.

They lost just 46-44 tonight in the first leg of their semi-final at Poole.

The hosts lost three riders to injury during the second half of the meeting but still led by two going into heat 15.

Bjarne Pedersen and Cameron Woodward then ended Darcy Ward's unbeaten record on the night to force a 3-3 behind near-perfect Chris Holder.

Simon Gustafsson's super gate-and-go effort in heat one was Holder's only blemish.

Eagles dug in down the order, despite Pedersen failing to register a win on his former home circuit.

The Sussex track, who host the second leg on Saturday, had just four heat wins but only five scoreless rides.

A surprise chequered flag for former Eagles rider Morten Risager, going as lone Pirate, in heat 14 ensured the holders at least have some sort of advantage to take to Arlington.

Poole: Holder 13+1 (5), Ward 12 (5), Watt 8 (3), Andersson 6+1 (5), Risager 6 (7), Doyle 1+1 (3), Jonasson r/r.

Eagles: Woodward 13+4 (7), Lahti 8 (5), Gustafsson 7+3 (6), Pedersen 7 (5), Bridger 5+2 (4), Kylmakorpi 4 (4), Dryml r/r.