Stand-in skipper David Mason's exclusion from a final-heat re-run denied Kent Kings the chance to win a National League classic at Central Park on Monday night.

Kent only needed to share the heat to clinch victory but Mason was excluded following a crash, with King's Lynn Young Stars taking advantage to secure a 45-all draw.

There were never more than two points between the sides at any stage during the 15 heats as the play-off rivals did battle.

The home side were missing captain Simon Lambert but in a bold move shared his rides around rather than taking the safe option of bringing in a guest.

Highlights included Ben Morley registering his first win as a No.1 rider in the opening heat and rookie Jason Garrad justifying Kings co-promoter Len Silver's backing by taking the second race.

Kent boss John Sampford said: "You don't want to do anything else other than win at home but in the end I must admit it was a fair result.

"It was more than anything though, a quite outstanding meeting and a terrific advert for National League speedway."