King's Lynn new boy Davies beats Ward

King's Lynn's new teenage recruit Alex Davies inflicted a notable defeat on World U21 champion and Stars' 2009 Premier League treble-winner Darcy Ward in the opening round of the Australian national championships.

King's Lynn's new teenage recruit Alex Davies inflicted a notable defeat on World U21 champion and Stars' 2009 Premier League treble-winner Darcy Ward in the opening round of the Australian national championships.

The 17-year-old geared up for his Norfolk Arena debut league season with a win over Ward in heat 20 of the opening round of the Australian series at Gilman. Davies notched paid seven from his five rides in the high class field before following up with paid four in round two at Mildura over the weekend.

Former Stars' favourite Troy Batchelor won both meetings ahead of pre-series favourite Chris Holder and his new Elite League Poole recruit Ward. Batchelor (40 points) holds a four point lead over Holder with Ward two points further adrift ahead of the final round at the Newcastle Showground on January 9.

Davies was the final member of Lynn's 2010 Premier League team to be unveiled and will partner Danish racer Casper Wortman at reserve after signing a full contract. The son of former King's Lynn and Peterborough racer Stephen Davies has dual nationality having been born in the UK but already representing Australia on the international junior scene.