Eagles put up strong showing

They went into the match without Davey Watt (injured at Arlington on Saturday) and Stefan Andersson, who crashed heavily in Poland on Sunday.

Reading's Mark Lemon was drafted into the team to fill Andersson's place while the rider replacement rule was used to cover for Watt, who may be out for up to six weeks with a wrist injury.

There were strong performances last night in Manchester from Nicki Pedersen, David Norris and Dean Barker.

The home side were handicapped after Simon Stead, their No 1, crashed in the first race and could take no further part in the meeting.