Kent Royals make National Development League history as first-ever super heat settles aggregate bonus-point battle in win over Berwick Bullets

Kent Royals made history when they took their maiden win of the season against Berwick Bullets.

The match saw a National Development League first in the form of a first-ever super heat to decide the destination of the aggregate bonus point, Kings having overturned a 20-point deficit from the previous week’s away fixture.

Ben Morley and Nathan Ablitt rode a perfect opening lap to slot into the lead and settle the bonus battle.

After five straight defeats, the 54-34 win was testament to hard work, determination and team spirit in an incident-packed meeting.

The Royals, including new signing Jack Kingston, led from the front with a sublime 15-point maximum for No.1 rider Morley.

There was a season’s-best performance from captain Tom Woolley (11), dropping just one point in his four rides, and a battling paid 10 by his younger brother, Sam, in the reserve berth.

However, it wasn’t such a good day for fellow reserve Connor King (3), who sustained injuries in a frightening second-heat crash with Jason Garrad which saw him withdrawn from the rest of the meeting.

Rhys Naylor (6+2) finished with two paid wins and new man Kingston (5+1) - a former Kent Kings rider - overcame mechanical problems to go unbeaten by an opponent in his final two rides.

Kent manager Jamie Willis said: “Si (Kellow, promoter) and I are delighted with the win and it’s a weight off our shoulders.

“The boys showed what they are really made of and I’m very proud of them. There is an excellent team spirit in our camp, and this is just the start.”

Next up for the Royals is a trip to reigning champions Leicester Lion Cubs next Saturday (7pm) where they hope to have injured rider King available.

“Connor is okay considering the horrible crash,” said Willis.