Pride is the attribute that must be demonstrated and pride is the element that must be restored as Sussex speedway squad, the Eastbourne Eagles return to Arlington stadium this Saturday evening (7.30 p.m. start time) preparing to take on the current Elite League leaders, and many people’s tip for the title, come the September play offs, the Poole Pirates.

It would surely be scant exaggeration to suggest that the Sussex sides season, one that had kicked off so brightly with a victory at the home of 2007 Champions, the Coventry Bees, hit a new low in the last week, the Eagles suffering a series of disappointments that potentially derailed any remaining hopes they might still hold of claiming silverware this term.

Last Wednesday saw an 11-point defeat at the Purfleet home of the Lakeside Hammers leave the Eagles with a monumental task if they are yet to qualify for the Final of this years Knockout Cup, that before unfortunate scenes at Arlington last weekend left the club at loggerheads with teenage sensation Lewis Bridger and all this prior to their suffering their second home defeat of the campaign at the hands of the Ipswich Witches, a result that all but snuffed out Eagles slender hopes of claiming a play off place.

With all that to contend with, it would be true to say there has been little cause for the clubs beleaguered management team to smile in the last day or so, but with the dust now settling around them, a handsome home victory against the Pirates would surely be the tonic they need to wipe away much of the gloom enveloping Arlington.

Despite the intense speculation regarding Bridger’s future circling the club in the intervening days it would appear that all differences have been resolved and although rumour has been rife to the contrary, Bridger is expected to take his place his more usual number two berth on Saturday.

With Scott Nicholls returning to the fold following last Saturday’s Grand Prix round in Mallila (Sweden) the Eagles are expected to be at full strength as they take to the track to do battle with their longstanding South Coast rivals, and a strong performance against the team expected to be at t he sharp end of the eventual play off showdown would certainly boost the Sussex contingent’s confidence ahead of next weekend’s Cup semi-final second leg match up against the Lakeside Hammers.

With the Pirates also fielding their strongest septet at Arlington, and having already tasted success at the venue, a 48-41 victory in May proving Eagles first home reverse of the campaign, the Sussex side will certainly need to be at the very top of their game if they are to contain the threat posed by the team who are currently vying with and will remain resolute in their determination to pip the Hammers (presently lying in second place) to the Elite League top spot.

With total focus and total commitment sure to be the watch word throughout the pits everyone involved with the Sussex club will surely be fighting doggedly to ensure the Pirates head back to Dorset without the points in hand.

Of course, if the Eagles should manage to overhaul Lakeside to claim that place in the Final and if the Pirates are destined to emerge victorious from their semi-final replay against the Coventry Bees, Saturday’s clash could well prove to be a dress rehearsal for the 2008 Knockout Cup Final. Whatever fate holds in store however, tomorrow’s contest promises to be a thriller and one that the Arlington faithful hope will see that much needed element of pride restored to their favourites.     
 
Teams :
 
Eagles : 1. Scott Nicholls, 2. Lewis Bridger, 3. Lee20Richardson (Captain), 4. Cameron Woodward, 5. Edward Kennett, 6. Simon Gustafsson, 7. James Brundle
 
Pirates : 1. Chris Holder, 2. Magnus Zetterstrom 3. Bjarne Pedersen, 4. Adam Skornicki 5. Davey Watt, 6. Freddie Eriksson, 7. Daniel Davidsson