Eastbourne Eagles have set their sights on a top-two finish after surviving a supershow from world champion Jason Crump last night.

Eagles beat arch Elite League rivals Arena Essex 47-43 at Thurrock, despite a maximum for Crump, riding as a guest in place of injured Mark Loram.

Now Eastbourne boss Jon Cook wants to see his men maintain their charge towards the upper reaches of British speedway.

He said: "We're delighted. There is fierce rivalry between ourselves and Arena Essex.

"There's real dislike among supporters and riders so to put one over on them after they brought in the world champion is fantastic.

"We're second in the form guide and first or second is where we want to be. We're not just looking to be in the play-offs, we're looking at first or second place and home advantage."

Eagles' Aussie stars produced a late show to complete victory. Davey Watt was followed home by Adam Shields for a 5-1 in the 14th heat to put Eastbourne into a 44-40 lead with one race to go.

Crump did what he had to by taking the 15th for the hosts, giving him five wins out of five.

But Shields, in second, and David Norris edged Paul Hurry out of the points to finish the job for Eagles.

It was close all the way, though the Hammers never led after the second heat.

Eagles had an early 11-7 lead after Shields was followed in by Dean Barker for a 5-1 in the third heat.

The advantage lasted just one race as Crump and Josh Larsen returned the favour in race four.

Jason Lyons, riding for Eagles as a guest replacement for Nicki Pedersen, continued his recent good form at the Essex track to take the chequered flag in heat six and help his team go into interval at 24-24 after eight.

They pulled away again in the tenth, Shields and Barker recording another one-two.

Again the Hammers responded, Crump dragging them level at 39-39 with two to go before Eagles settled it.

Arena Essex: Crump 15, Larsen 10+3, Hurry 7+1, Havelock 4, Lanham 4, Swist 3+1.

Eagles: Shields 12+1, Norris 10+1, Barker 7+2, Lyons 7, Watt 6, Jensen 5.