Kent Royals v Belle Vue Colts

KENT mounted a dramatic late fightback to defeat Belle Vue 47-43 at Iwade and leave the Colts sweating on their place in the National Development League play-offs.

The visitors led by six points with three races remaining, but the Royals finished with two 5-1s and a 4-2 to keep their own hopes of a top-four finish alive.

Max Clegg and Ben Morley both scored paid maximums (14+1) for the home side, whilst Nathan Ablitt top-scored for the Colts with ten.

Belle Vue co-boss Steve Williams said: “To be honest, we should have done better than we eventually did. There were places where we lost points we should have won, but the boys did give it their all.

“There were a few tough decisions that went against us that didn’t help, but we’re not making excuses. By our own standards, we simply had a bad day, but there were a few positives to take.

“Now we know we must win at Armadale if we are to secure our place in the play-offs. Our league title bid depends on our success in Scotland.”

The three contenders for fourth place all have one match remaining with Belle Vue on 25 points whilst Oxford and Kent both have 23 – and they meet each other at Cowley on Wednesday.

KENT 47: Max Clegg 14+1, Ben Morley 14+1, Connor King 9, Sam Woolley 6+1, Chris Watts 2, James Laker 1+1, Sam Woods 1.
BELLE VUE 43: Nathan Ablitt 10, Jake Mulford 7+3, Archie Freeman 7+3, Jack Smith 6, Sam McGurk 5, Freddy Hodder 5, Harry McGurk 3+1.

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Photo credit: GEOFF YOUNG