PREVIEW: EASTBOURNE v EDINBURGH (Champ)

EASTBOURNE’S riders have been told to put the troubled build-up to tonight’s (Saturday) Championship match against Edinburgh behind them.

The Eagles were rocked when captain Lewi Kerr broke his collarbone last Sunday in the KO Cup tie against Kent.

They will use rider-replacement for Kerr and had also expected to be without youngsters Tom Brennan and Drew Kemp – only for their hopes of competing in the World Under-21 Championship to be dashed by Covid restrictions.

Eagles co-promoter Lee Kilby said: “There’s a lot been going on behind the scenes this week, but we cannot take our eyes of the fact that Edinburgh pose a stiff challenge to us.

“They are unbeaten so far this season and I think their team this year is a lot better than many people think.

“We’re on three points from two matches and in this condensed season it is vital we get into the top six and the play-off places as soon as we can. There is going to be little margin for error this season.”

EASTBOURNE: Edward Kennett, Tom Brennan, Kyle Newman, Lewis Kerr r/r, Richard Lawson, Jason Edwards, Drew Kemp, Nathan Ablitt (no.8).
EDINBURGH: Sam Masters, Nathan Greaves, Kye Thomson, Josh Pickering, Richie Worrall, Joe Lawlor, William Lawson.