Eastbourne Eagles moved two points clear of south coast rivals Poole in the Elite League with a rain-affected draw in Dorset today.

A halt was called after 12 heats with the scores tied at 36-36.

Eagles gain two points from the away draw, taking their tally to five, two more than the Pirates.

The two sides are due to meet at Arlington this evening (7.30pm).

The weather was reported to be dry at the Sussex circuit shortly after midday.

Reserve-switch Simon Gustafsson passed Joe Screen on the last lap of heat 12 to earn Eagles a 4-2 which squared the morning contest.

The result stretched Eastbourne's unbeaten run at Wimborne Road to three meetings.

The vistors leapt out into a 13-5 lead after three heats before Poole responded.

Screen and Daniel Davidsson combined for a home 5-1 in heat five. Conditions began to worsen from heat eight although only Paul Hurry and Lukas Dryml fell during the meeting.

Lewis Bridger's haul included a thrilling defeat of home star Bjarne Pedersen on the run to the line.

Poole: Holder 9 (3), Davidsson 8 (3), Pedersen 7 (3), Screen 6+2 (4), Jankowski 3 (4), Neath 2 (4), Hurry 1 (3).

Eagles: Gustafsson 9+1 (4), Bridger 9 (4), Watt 5 (3), Kling 4+1 (3), Norris 3+1 (4), Woodward 3+1 (3), Dryml 3 (3).