Former Belle Vue star Jason Lyons has been called up by Cheetahs promoter Aaron Lanney as a guest when they go for their first bonus point at home to Eastbourne Eagles tonight (7.30).

With Davey Watt having to take an enforced rest to allow his injured wrist to heal, and with Ales Dryml still in hospital albeit, making stunning progress day by day Cheetahs' resources are stretched to the limit.

But Lanney is confident that, having restricted the Eagles to a mere five point win at Arlington on Sunday, three league points are there for the taking.

He firmly believes that with Lyons deputising for his injured fellow Aussie Watt, the Cheetahs camp will have something to celebrate after what has been a very traumatic period for the club.

"The news that Ales is making remarkable progress has given us all a huge boost," said Lanney. "I really believe we can claim all three points at Eastbourne's expense.

"Lyons jumped at the chance to step in and replace Davey and, with him going so well in the Premier League at Mildenhall, I'm confident he'll do an excellent job."

Eastbourne have a doubt over Australian Adam Shields who pulled out of Sunday's meeting after aggravating an old injury.

But they will still provide a stiff test for Cheetahs who will be looking to David Howe and Eric Andersson to improve on their last home performances.

The 'kIds for a quid' scheme will be in operation during the school holidays. Children, aged between five and 15 inclusive, provided they are accompanied by a paying adult, will be admitted to all Cheetahs home meetings for just a £1.

"I very much want to encourage parents to bring their children to our matches," said Lanney. "and with the school holidays now upon us, now is thideal time to take this initiative."Operating midweek as we do, I realise it's difficult for some youngsters tocome to our meetings with having to go to school thenext day. But with nosuch hindrances for the next six weeks or so, and with it being just £1 forparents to pay for their children to get in, I would hope that we'll seemore and more of the younger element on theterraces at Cowley now."

Oxford: T Wiltshire (7.75 ave), J Lyons (5.46), D Howe (5.05), A Skornicki (5.78), A Dryml (R/R, 7.70), L Tomicek (3.88), E Andersson 3.06.

Eastbourne: D Norris (6.48), E Kennett (4.78), D Barker (6.46), A Shields (6.43), NPedersen (9.70), L Bridger (4.55), C Woodward (3.00).