Eastbourne Eagles went down 47-43 at Oxford in last night's Elite League match.

Eagles were never far off the pace with the in-form Joe Screen and guest Billy Hamill leading the charge.

Former world No. 1 Hamill, riding instead of Eastbourne's virus-hit skipper Martin Dugard, top scored with 14 points, while Screen weighed in with a 12-point return.

The home team, however, had too much strength in depth, with Eastbourne's reserves netting only one point between them.

Hamill and Dean Barker gave Eagles a good start with a 4-2 in the opening heat, but that was the only time the visitors were in front.

Hamill and Barker scored another 4-2 in heat four, and Screen and Hamill pinched heat wins in heats 13 and 15, Screen and then Hamill beating Leigh Adams.

That was as good as it got, though, with Oxford having the better of a tight affair.

Oxford: Leigh Adams 13, Brian Andersen 9, Ales Dryml 7, Lukas Dryml 6, Todd Wiltshire 5, Steve Johnston 5, Andrew Appleton 3.

Eastbourne: Billy Hamill 14, Joe Screen 12, David Norris 8, Dean Barker 5, Joonas Kylmakorpi 3, Marcus Andersson 1, Brent Werner 0.