Eastbourne Eagles are relying on the magnificent seven to give them a winning finale to the season.

The Sussex squad go into tomorrow night's challenge clash against Elite League champions-elect Poole Pirates trailing by 21 points after they were beaten 67-46 at Poole last night.

That was an eight-a-side affair over 18 heats, but the return at Arlington Stadium has been cut to the normal league format.

Eastbourne boss Jon Cook explained: "We have had to change our plans for the match because so many riders were not available."

As it is, the Eagles' line-up includes Arena Essex pair Mark Loram and Dean Barker, and they may have to dig deep to find another guest to replace Steen Jensen if he is not passed fit.

Not that the faithful will mind too much on that score because both Loram and Barker have plenty of Eagles' blood coursing through their veins, and Cook is banking on them to help Eastbourne at least get a result on the night.

"We want to sign off with something, and that means winning on Saturday," he said.

Only Nicki Pedersen and Adam Shields offered any serious resistance last night as Eagles were sunk virtually without trace.

Poole: Ryan Sullivan 14, Bjarne Pedersen 10, Matej Ferjan 10, Daniel Davidsson 10, Krzysztof Kasprzak 8, Antonio Lindback 6, Tomasz Chrzanowski 5, Magnus Zetterstrom 4.

Eastbourne: Nicki Pedersen 17, Adam Shields 13, Paul Hurry 6, Davey Watt 3, Dean Barker 3, Leigh Lanham 2, Edward Kennett 1, Sebastian Tresarrieu 1.