Kent Kings face Eastbourne in the Knockout Cup, buoyed by their first Championship points of the season.

A night of high drama in Devon on Tuesday saw the Kings draw 45-45 with Plymouth.

They twice held a 10-point lead and while their plucky hosts levelled at the death, there were huge positives for Kent, including eight heat winners.

Dan Gilkes built on his maximum for the Kent Royals by claiming two wins, there was a hat-trick for Tom Bacon and a win apiece for captain Scott Nicholls, Paul Starke and Cameron Heeps.

Kings travel to Arlington to face Eastbourne Eagles in a 3.30pm start on Sunday.

This match becomes the first leg of their Knockout Cup tie, after last week’s postponement at Central Park.

Gilkes misses the trip as he’s on Great Britain duty in Gdansk for the European under-19 pairs final, alongside ex-Kent riders Drew Kemp and Anders Rowe.

Coming in as guest rider is another ex-Kent favourite in Jack Thomas, who’s returned to speedway after a break from the sport.

Captain Nicholls faces one of his old clubs, having raced for Eastbourne in 2008 when they were in the old Elite League.

Ben Morley, Kent’s record scorer, has a point to prove having been let go by Eastbourne in 2019.

He’ll be looking for a big score from the reserve berth.

The Eagles should pose a significant challenge, led by former Great Britain star Edward Kennett.

Lewis Kerr and former Lakeside Hammers hero Richard Lawson are also dangerous opponents.

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent