More than 1,200 fans were at Central Park for Kent Kings' opening home meeting of the season on Easter Monday.

The start of the National Trophy clash with Eastbourne Eagles had to be delayed with queues stretching back into the car park.

Unfortunately for the home crowd it was Eagles' day as the Sussex side ran out 49-44 winners.

Successive 5-1 maximums in heats two and three gave Eastbourne a lead they never relinquished.

But there were encouraging signs for Kings with captain Ben Morley winning three heats on his way to a personal haul of 16 points, while new signing James Shanes (9) won his first two rides. Danny Ayres (7+1) was the other heat winner for Kent.

Next up at Central Park is the Invicta Pairs on Monday night (6.30pm).