WEYMOUTH Wildcats suffered a 23-13 loss at home to Kent in the Southern Development League at the Arlington Stadium in Eastbourne.

The Wildcats were hit with the withdrawal of Luke Barnes on the day due to his van breaking down but recruited Max Pankhurst to ride at short notice.

The result means that the wildcats are still looking for their first win of the season and face a home encounter with Reading on Saturday.

Kent had been boosted by the addition of National League reserve riders Jacob Clouting and Alex Spooner.

Pankhurst secured eight points for the Wildcats, winning two out of his three races, as well as a second place finish, to secure eight points.

Connor Fletcher scored a point after being edged out on the line in the first heat by Kent’s Clouting to deny him second place and further points.

Unfortunately he then fell in his next two races as he could not pick up further points.

Jacob and Bailey Fellows each earned two points for the side with two third place finishes.

Ultimately, it could not match up to Kent’s overwhelming lead of 10 points.

Co-promoter Martin Peters said: I am a little bit disappointed that we lost by such a big margin, I was hoping that we might get a little bit closer.

“Jake and Bailey were a little bit rusty after a month off but soon got back into it.

“It is disappointing but Jake and Bailey will get faster as time goes on.”

Peters was reflective following the match but saw positives from the defeat.

Peters said: “When I look back at things Jacob and Bailey have only been on a 500 literally this year. So they are still getting used to that.

“Connor was a little bit unlucky, and Max you cannot fault whatsoever, he did us pretty well and proud.”

Peters, referring to the absent Barnes, said: “We have got a big challenge next week against Reading so fingers crossed hopefully he will be OK for next week.”

Weymouth face Reading at home on Saturday.