Connor Dugard believes Eastbourne have proved many doubters wrong with their opening National League win.

And he admits he was getting as much stick as anyone.

Eagles won 49-41 away to Coventry Storm today as they bounced back from their Good Friday horror show in the Challenge meetings against Kent.

Stand-in skipper Georgie Wood secured the bonus point by winning heat 15, his first ever success in a nominated race.

Jake Knight won four out of four despite riding with a chest infection which persuaded him against going in heat 15. And guest No.1 Ellis Perks staked a claim for a more permanent ride as he scored ten points.

Eastbourne fans will be justified in wondering whether there is any way their team can squeeze Perks, let go by Isle of Wight last week, into their 1-7 in place of the injured Kyle Hughes.

Club director Dugard, who is in charge of team building, said: “I think we – and I – have proved people wrong. I’ve taken a lot of stick over the past two days so it’s nice to say ‘I told you so’. I’m really, really happy.”

Reserve Charley Powell also produced an improved performance but was let down by his machinery.

Storm lost two riders to injury during the meeting which made Eagles’ task a touch easier.

Dugard added: “It was really pleasing. Georgie got his first ever heat 15 win, which was the one he wanted, and that fourth point could be crucial.”

Coventry: Carr 12 (5), Greenwood 11+1 (5), Walker 5+2 (6), Halder 5+1 (6), Dwyer 4+1 (4), Knuckey 3 (2), Terry-Daley 1 (2).

Eagles: Wood 13+2 (6), Knight 12 (4), Perks 10 (5), Hopwood 8+1 (4), Powell 3+2 (6), Phillips 3+1 (5), Andrews r/r.