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Two Kent speedway riders compete in the GB Under-21 Championship final tonight while a third has pulled out.
After taking second place in the under-19 version last month, Kings ace Dan Gilkes will be quietly confident about his chances of more success on his under-21 debut at Berwick, on the Scottish border.
He’s joined by Royals rider Alex Spooner but Jordan Jenkins has been forced out through injuries sustained in a finish-line collision with clubmate Gilkes at the under-19 event.
Jenkins suffered foot, leg and finger injuries at Scunthorpe, also aggravating a back complaint, and has admitted defeat in his bid to be fit.
GB youth speedway boss boss Neil Vatcher said: “Jordan is currently receiving treatment for an old back injury, and is still suffering from discomfort from his crash at the British Under-19 final when he collided with Daniel Gilkes after the end of the race.
"I feel really sorry for Jordan because I know after putting on a good show at Scunthorpe last month he was looking forward to making his debut in the British Under-21 final on a circuit that he has not been to before.”
Gilkes finished runner-up to former Kent man Drew Kemp in the under-19s and the pair lock horns again tonight, with another former Kings rider, Anders Rowe, also among the contenders.
“I’m really looking forward to some more racing," said Gilkes.
"Obviously having only had one meeting this year it’s great to get the opportunity to race again.
"I’m looking forward to gaining more experience and knowledge as I continue my development.”
Riders in draw order: 1 Alex Spooner (Kent Iwade Garage Royals); 2 Joe Thompson (Leicester Lions); 3 Tom Spencer (Leicester Lion Cubs); 4 Anders Rowe (Rawicz, Polska); 5 Jason Edwards (Eastbourne Eagles); 6 Dan Bewley (Sparta Wroclaw); 7 Joe Lawlor (Redcar Bears); 8 Jack Thomas (Birmingham Brummies); 9 Drew Kemp (Ipswich Witches); 10 Jordan Palin (Scunthorpe Scorpions); 11 Jamie Halder (unattached); 12 Dan Thompson (Leicester Lions); 13 Kyle Bickley (Berwick Bandits); 14 Tom Brennan (Eastbourne Eagles); 15 Leon Flint (Berwick Bandits); 16 Dan Gilkes (Kent TouchTec Kings). Reserves: 17 Harry McGurk (Plymouth Gladiators); 18 Mason Watson (Armadale Devils).
