David Norris and Dean Baker were rushed to hospital as Eastbourne Eagles literally crashed to a 55-38 defeat at Swindon last night.

Norris, pictured, was leading in heat three when he lost control on the fourth bend of the third lap. After a lengthy delay he was stretchered into an ambulance and taken to hospital with facial and neck injuries.

It was a big blow for the Eagles and meant a busy night for reserves Cameron Woodward and Lewis Bridger with Davey Watt already missing.

Barker was involved in a nasty crash in heat 14 when he dived down the inside of former Eagle Andrew Moore and suffered rib injuries.

But it was not all despondency for Eagles as Nicki Pedersen totalled 17 points and ensured they picked-up the bonus point by a single point. He was only beaten once during the night, that loss coming at the hands of fellow Dane Charlie Gjedde in his second ride in heat five.

Eagles: Nicki Pedersen 17: Steve Johnston (guest) 3; David Norris 0; Dean Barker 5; Davey Watt R/R; Cameron Woodward 5: Lewis Bridger 8+3.