The Riders - K

Greg Kentwell:  Australian Kentwell first joined the Dukes in their double-winning year 1966, although his opportunities were limited to just 6 meetings, and he joined Long Eaton on loan.  He returned full-time in 1967 and proved to be a popular member of the Dukes for the next 6 seasons.  His red leathers and fast starting made him a stand-out rider, and he held The Shay track-record for a period.  His best season was 1969 where he averaged over 7.50 points per match, including 4 maximums.  A regular for Australian test teams during his time in England, Kentwell retired from UK racing after the 1972 season, but remained active in his native Australia for several years, before retiring to concentrate on his plumbing business.

Bert Kingston:  Another Australian who had a go at Halifax in the mid 60s, 24 year old Kingston came to the UK in 1965 and rode in the first fixture at The Shay.  He averaged just over 4 points a meeting during his first season, and was retained for the 1966 season - which turned out to be both his and the Dukes best - increasing his average by over 2 points.  He was seriously injured however in a crash in the home meeting with Glasgow in April 1967, when he suffered a fractured skull.  Although he made a remarkable recovery, and returned to the saddle by August, his form was naturally affected, and it was no surprise when he announced his retirement from racing in the UK.  He maintained some participation in his native Australia for a couple of years before retiring permanently.

Henny Kroeze:  Probably the greatest Dutch speedway rider of all time, Kroeze was a popular Duke and a legend as far as the fans were concerned.  First joined Halifax in 1974, returning in 1975 and 1976 - and it was during the long-hot drought of 1976 that he wrote his name into the record books, becoming the first rider ever to score a 21 point maximum during the home fixture with Birmingham.  Increased continental commitments diminished his returns in 1977 - during one spell from May to July he rode in only one home meeting, and he then suffered a broken leg in the Continental Final in the Soviet Union.  He never rode for the Dukes again, but made further appearances for Bristol and Sheffield, returning to Holland after the 1980 season.  Kroeze got his reward in 1987 when he was the Dutch representative in the 2-day World Final in Amsterdam - but he only scored 1 point from 10 rides to finish in 16th place - and was non-riding reserve in the Norden final of 1983. Became famous in his native Holland after his speedway career for running a travelling Motorcycle Wall of Death.