Promoter Si Kellow has title ambitions as he starts his second season in charge of Kent Royals.

The Royals, formed a year ago following the demise of the Kent Kings, had a solid first campaign at the Old Gun Site in Iwade, despite a catalogue of injuries.

After falling just short of the National Development League play-offs last season, Kellow wants to challenge for the title.

It won’t be easy - a fact highlighted by a 53-37 defeat in their opening match Mildenhall Fen Tigers on Sunday - but that won’t stop them trying.

Reserve Connor King (12) and No.1 Ben Morley (11) top-scored for Kent, who were hit by the late withdrawal of new signing Nathan Ablitt through illness.

Kellow said: “My heart says we have a fair chance of being there but there are five-and-a-half months of competition to get through before we can count our chickens.”

Kent finished sixth last year, three points off fourth place and the final play-off spot.

However, the rules have changed this year with just the top two going through to a play-off final and a return to the traditional format of two points for a win and an aggregate bonus point available after return fixtures.

The Royals have signed three new riders for 2023 in the shape of Ablitt, Rhys Naylor and Tom Woolley.

They also have a new manager, with Jamie Willis stepping up from the club’s second string.

The 30-year-old, from Sandwich, is a former football coach and has impressed Kellow with his work behind the scenes.

“Jamie had a spreadsheet going from September with his thoughts and proposals,” said Kellow.

As well as holding high hopes for the league, Kent want to make amends for last season’s early Knockout Cup exit.

They get the chance to do that at Iwade this Sunday (12noon) against Mildenhall in a semi-final first-leg tie.

Kellow said: “We’d like to progress further in the KOC and hopefully bring some silverware to the Old Gun Site.”