Kent Kings clinched a National League play-off place with a two-point victory at King's Lynn Young Stars on Wednesday night.

Kings boss John Sampford pulled off a masterstroke by drafting in reigning British under-21 champion Josh Bates as a guest rider from Mildenhall.

He returned a paid 14 with a performance that means Kent fans are likely to get behind the Yorkshireman when he chases the British under-19 title at Central Park on Monday.

Ben Morley fared even better by reeling off five heat wins for 17 points as Kent, missing captain Simon Lambert, triumphed 46-44 to finish the season in third place.

Danny Ayres (8+1), Benji Compton (6), David Mason (2) and Jason Garrad (1+1) completed Kent's tally.

Kent will face defending champions Cradley, runners-up Coventry or fourth-placed Mildenhall in the play-offs. Cradley, as table-toppers, choose their opponents.