Edward Kennett was making his debut for Eastbourne Eaglets in this afternoon's crunch match against Arena Essex at Arlington Stadium.

Kennett, 15 this week, lines up for the Eaglets in their Southern Junior League match following Eastbourne's Elite League clash with Oxford.

He said: "It's a big step up for me, and I'm feeling very nervous, but hopefully everything will go alright."

The youngster from Magham Down has been lapping faster in demonstration races than the riders he will be facing in league action.

He recently competed in a junior meeting in Denmark, but this will be a totally new experience for the son of former Eagles' rider Dave Kennett.

Eastbourne boss Jon Cook believes Kennett has a big future in the sport but admits his first appearance in league racing will be a big test.

"We don't know how he will be when he has to line up at the tapes with three experienced riders and race against them."

Today's match is a potential league decider together with the return match at Arena next Friday, when Kennett is again due to ride for the Eaglets.

The other Eastbourne youngsters in action are regular riders Barrie Geer, Matt Fern and Chris Geer.

Hundreds of fans are expected to stay behind to see Kennett's debut after the main meeting, which was starting at 3.0 to avoid a clash with TV coverage of the Germany v. England World Cup match.