Martin Dugard believes Eastbourne’s 55-35 win over Cradley Heathens can be a big turning point in their season.

But second-string Gary Cottham faces a three-week absence after breaking his collarbone.

Adam Ellis and Jake Knight combined for 5-1s in heats 13 and 15 as Eagles, who only led 40-32 after 12 races, pulled away with a trio of maximums.

Former Cradley pair Ellis Perks and Luke Harris enjoyed a 5-1 in heat 14.

Ellis was unbeaten and Knight dropped just two points in five rides.

But the fact Eagles won by 20 with just eight heat winners underlined the all-round nature of their team performance.

Harris was paid for 11 from four reserve outings, picking up points against riders of a similar calibre to himself.

Club chairman Dugard said: “I thought the meeting was probably a big turning point for us.

“We had gone a bit stale at home but I think this proves we are better than people were giving us credit for. We needed it to click.”

Cottham was showing signs of promise when he was taken down from behind by Ben Basford in heat ten.

Dugard said: “He has a broken collarbone, which will be about three weeks, and a dislocated shoulder, which will have been put back in by now.

“While he is out, we will be breaking down his bike and preparing him with something better for his return.”

Ellis misses the next three meetings including tomorrow’s trip to Rye House, where Dan Bewley guests at No.1.

The world under-21 finalist twice lowered his own National League track record last night. The new mark stands at 57.3secs.

Eagles: Ellis 14+1 (5), Knight 12+1 (5), Harris 8+3 (4), Powell 7+3 (5), Wood 7+1 (4), Perks 5 (4), Cottham 2+1 (3).

Cradley: Clegg 11 (6), Morris 10 (5), Chessell 8 (4), Basford 2+1 (5), Andrews 2 (5), Purchase 2 (5), Kingston r/r.