Points machine David Norris today told potential challengers: "You won't beat my Eastbourne Eagles scoring record."

Norris passed Gordon Kennett's total of 5,339 paid points for Eastbourne with a second place in the Good Friday win at home to Poole Pirates.

Kennett was on hand to present his successor with a plaque to mark the occasion.

Norris admitted his six paid points from five rides represented one of his less satisfying displays of the season so far as he battled against a heavy cold.

But he looks set to stretch his lead at the top of the Eagles lists.

The 34-year Eastbourne-born rider, who made his debut 19 years ago, said: "It's nice to get the record.

"I hadn't really been thinking about it but it sunk in a bit when I got there. Gordon is an idol of mine and always will be.

"I know what it took him in his day to get those points.

"He didn't quite take so many years to achieve his record so hats off to him.

"But the main thing now is looking at the league table. That's all I'm interested in."

Eagles' big four in terms of all-time scoring were all present as Poole were outgunned 49-41.

Martin Dugard was watching and Dean Barker played a big role in seeing off Jason Crump, Bjarne Pedersen and company.

Barker is closing in on 4,500 Eagles points and has about 1,000 more from spells elsewhere but turns 37 this season.

Lewis Bridger could be well-placed to eventually catch Norris given he already has close to 350 at the age of 17.

Norris, though, said: "No chance. I'm not going to retire for about another ten years.

"He won't ride as long as as I will."

Norris has averaged 1.93 points per race over 2,770 heats for Eastbourne and has another 900 points from spells at Ipswich and Reading.

But there was no getting away from the fact Friday's effort was his least impressive Arlington display of the season.

He admitted with a smile: "I think it's a touch of man flu.

"No excuses but I didn't feel right. I'm a little bit low, a bit drained.

"But the record has been broken. People thought it might take me longer than this anyway so I'm pleased with that.

"I'm pleased for (promoter) Bob Brimson and the boys because they all pulled together when it mattered.

"It was a below-par performance from myself but the most important thing is we won against a fantastic Poole team.

"Lewis Bridger, Dean Barker and Nicki Pedersen were awesome.

"I just need to get my head together and get back to how I was a week ago."

A return to form could yet see him force his way into Great Britain's World Cup plans, especially with the vastly experienced Mark Loram out for the season.

Team GB boss Neil Middleditch was at Arlington on Friday in his role as Poole team manager.

The toughest job in speedway at the moment is getting Middleditch to rule anyone out of his World Cup plans, other than Loram, who has a broken thigh and arm.

That means youngsters like Lewis Bridger and Edward Kennett are also under scrutiny. Middleditch said: "I've known David for many years, I've picked him for the World Cup in the past and he has been brilliant for me.

"Anybody is part of my plans at this moment in time.

"We've got a long way to go to the World Cup, we've got the qualifier in Coventry so I will be watching everybody."

l Ill health ruled Norris out of the Elite League Pairs at Kings Lynn on Saturday, won by Crump and Bjarne Pedersen for Poole. Nicki Pedersen dropped just one point in five rides and Bridger was a little unlucky not to get more than one paid win as Eagles were edged out in the group stage.

Team manager Trevor Geer said: "Lewis did not disgrace himself and Nicki was outstanding. He and Hans Andersen (Peterborough) were the two best riders there."