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Sport

Kent Kings look to build on NORA League Challenge success against Eastbourne Eagles when they host Thurrock Hammers in the Tunnel Trophy

By: KentOnline Sports Reporter

Published: 07:05, 17 May 2024

Updated: 07:06, 17 May 2024

Kent Kings meet Thurrock Hammers in the Tunnel Trophy at the Old Gun Site in Iwade on Sunday.

It’s Kent’s second outing of the speedway season following their NORA League Challenge success against Eastbourne Eagles last month.

Kent Kings beat Eastbourne Eagles in their opening fixture last month. Picture: Niall Strudwick

One of the stars of the win over the Eagles was Jack Kingston, who scored 12 points and clinched victory in the final heat.

It was the perfect start for the 28-year-old after injury ended his 2023 campaign.

He’s looking to build on that against Thurrock, the club where he started his career.

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Kingston said: “It was a massive shock to me last month after my injury-wrecked season the year before, to come back so strongly, especially against some of the big names I beat.

“Last year I thought I’d got really comfortable with my ability on a bike and especially my gating, and to have it all end the way it did and then go into this meeting without any race experience was really daunting.

“It was just one of those days where the track held up so well and we made all the right calls in the pits which helped me do what I needed to on track.

“I’m certainly looking forward, as are all the lads, to repeating it all this Sunday.”

Thurrock’s key man, Alfie Bowtell, is a familiar face to Kent fans.

He holds the track record at the Old Gun Site from his days as a Kent Royals rider two years ago.

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But the Kings, buoyed by their victory over Eastbourne, go into the Trophy match with confidence.

Team boss Ben Clifton said: "After picking apart a (on paper anyway) far stronger Eastbourne Eagles in our season opener last time out, and despite being led by track specialist Alfie Bowtell the Thurrock side hold no fears to the Kent lads."

James Laker is the only change to the Kent line-up from their successful opener.

He replaces Sam Ward, who is taking a break from the sport.

The parade starts at 1.45pm with tapes up at 2pm.

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