But the main concern for the Eagles was the fitness of number one Joonas Kylmakorpi who was hospitalised after crashing in the first-heat.

The flying Finn tangled with Daniel Nermark, and was taken to hospital for checks on his his neck, shoulder and pelvis.

Even with Kylmakorpi, Eastbourne had a huge task on their hands, but without him the home side romped to victory with a host of big performances.

Dane Mads Korneliussen claimed a paid maximum, whilst fellow countryman Niels-Kristian Iversen hit paid 14 - but the real star of the show for the home side was reserve David Howe, who came home with 16 points including five heat wins.

Indeed such was King's Lynn's dominance that Eastbourne managed just one heat win through Lewis Bridger in the sixth race.

Eagles' team manager Trevor Geer did not blame the injury to Kylmakorpi for the defeat.

"Even if Joonas had been fit for the whole match, I do not think it would have made any difference to the end result," he said.

"I do not think we made one gate all night and we were chasing in every race."