Eastbourne Speedway went down to a heavy 54-36 defeat to the Somerset Rebels in the Championship last night.

Eagles managed only one heat advantage at the Rebels’ Oak Tree Arena with only three heat winners.

It was their fifth successive league loss since returning to professional speedway.

Ed Kennett and Richard Lawson were the pick of the Eagles riders.

Eagles: Edward Kennett 11+1 (5), Richard Lawson 11 (6), Lewi Kerr 5+1 (4), Ben Morley 4+1 (4), Georgie Wood 3 (3), Connor Coles 2+1 (4), Alfie Bowtell 0 (4) – 36

Rebels: Chris Harris 14 (5), Nico Covatti 10 (5), Todd Kurtz 9 (4), Valentin Grobauer 8 (4), Rory Schlein 6+2 (4), Anders Rowe 6+1 (6), Henry Atkins 1+1 (2) – 54