WEYMOUTH Wildcats fell to Kent Kestrels in a 24-11 defeat which, while disappointing, displayed real cause for optimism in their Southern Development League endeavours.

Bailey Fellows continued his good form, scoring five points and top scoring for the Wildcats while James Jessop backed up his first point on Saturday with another claimed against the Kestrels.

Kent have been crowned champions of the development league and have Alex Spooner, who is riding well in the National League as well as being undefeated in the Southern Development League, in their ranks.

Jessop was riding on an unfamiliar bike, with his damaged and having to ride on the Exeter Falcons’ Nick Lawrence’s bike who lent it to Jessop for the encounter.

Jacob Fellows returned from holiday to claim two points in his final race while Martyn Smith put in a solid performance to earn three points, with the first point coming in his first race and earning two in his second.

Bailey Fellows fired the Wildcats off to a good start as he claimed first place and three points in his first race, before a third-place finish in his second race but ended on a high in second place for his final race.

Weymouth Wildcats co-promoter Martin Peters said: “The boys rode really well, especially Bailey again.

“I think he (Bailey) has got more of a liking for away tracks than our home tracks which is maybe something we need to try and sort out.

“Bailey and Jacob (Fellows) are going to get better and better all the time.”

The Wildcats are next in action on Saturday, August 25 when they visit Reading.