It’s not quite Trigger’s old broom of Only Fools And Horses fame.

But Eastbourne chairman Martin Dugard admits not too much remains of Ellis Perks’ original bikes as he makes rapid progress in the National League.

In the classic comedy sketch, gormless Trigger tells Del and Rodney his old broom has had 17 new heads and 14 new handles.

Which begged the question: “How can it still be the same broom?”

Eagles have had a bit more with which to work after Perks bought two bikes from Grand Prix racer Peter Kildemand.

But Dugard, who spends a lot of time working on his team’s machinery, says more than a few modifications have been made.

The result is that Perks is pushing skipper Jake Knight to be Eagles’ top man behind the virtually unbeatable Adam Ellis.

When Georgie Wood is firing, the Arlington outfit essentially have four heat-leaders as they chase league and cup glory.

Perks, 19, started slowly after being brought in early in the season but recent showings in fine wins at Isle of Wight and Mildenhall underline he is getting better and better.

He has the chance to turn it on at Arlington when struggling Stoke visit today (3.30pm).

Dugard said: “We went back to basics with him.

“He bought two bikes off Peter Kildemand but I don’t think there is much left from them. We’ve changed a bit at a time and he is a much steadier rider now than he was at the start of the year.

“He was expecting a lot from himself. If he doesn’t produce, he worries about it but we could see potential in him.

“We are very happy with how he has come along but he has brought that on himself. He has listened to the right people. We forget how young he is.”

Today’s meeting is the first of three in eight days at Arlington. Eagles host a double-header next Sunday from 2pm, facing Belle Vue and Coventry.

Eagles: Ellis, Cottham r/r, Perks, Wood, Knight, Harris, Powell.