KING’S Lynn Young Stars endured an afternoon to forget as they suffered a 61-28 defeat at Eastbourne in the first leg of their Knockout Cup tie.
The Stebbings Car Superstore side struggled to get to grips with the tricky Arlington circuit and were well-beaten by the high-flying Eagles.
It was certainly a meeting to forget for Dale Allitt’s side, leaving them with a mountain to climb if they are to progress to the next round of the competition.
Reserve Shane Hazelden, who top scored for the visitors with paid double figures, admitted a lack of recent racing cost them against a strong Eastbourne side.
However, he is keen to see them move on and add to their National League points tally when they travel to the Isle of Wight on Tuesday (7.30).
“On a team note, I think it was clear the lack of riding this month was a huge issue,” said Hazelden.
“We had a few weeks off, then after a home meeting we had a few more weeks off before coming up against a very strong Eastbourne team.
“I’m sure there are people who are disappointed, but one meeting doesn’t make you a bad rider and I know that all too well.
“They showed us the way around and to keep up with their pace and gating was a difficult task. On the plus side, top scoring with paid 10 was a good result for me and if I stayed on the bike in two of my rides I could have scored 15 points which would have been even better.
“I felt that I didn’t make a bad gate all night and kept scoring second pl6aces, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough and to have a bad fall on my own when we were on a 5-1 was gutting.
“We have Tuesday to think about now at the Isle of Wight, then another away meeting at Stoke on Saturday, so I’m sure the boys will be really pumped to score some good points and try to take some important away points.”
Middle order man Tom Stokes delivered King’s Lynn’s only race win when he took the chequered flag in heat 14.
Danny Ayres stepped in and battled hard for his six points as he guested for Josh Bailey in the No.1 spot, whilst Nathan Greaves was involved in some exciting action.
However, star man Adam Ellis struck a faultless maximum for the hosts whilst Jake Knight and Georgie Wood also went unbeaten to condemn the Norfolk outfit to a comprehensive defeat.
The Young Stars will be back in action at the Adrian Flux Arena when they host in-form Kent on Wednesday, July 6 (7.30).
EASTBOURNE 61: Adam Ellis 15, Georgie Wood 13+2, Jake Knight 13+2, Ellis Perks 10+1, Luke Harris 6+1, Charley Powell 4, Gary Cottham r/r. KING’S LYNN 28: Shane Hazelden 9+1, Danny Ayres 6, Tom Stokes 6, Nathan Greaves 5, Scott Campos 2+1, Ryan Kinsley 0, Lewis Whitmore 0.
