There was a certain symmetry to the way the 2026 season came to a close for King’s Lynn’s two sides, although the emotions could hardly have been more different.

For the King’s Lynn Stars, their campaign ended in a manner that has become all too familiar throughout a frustrating and inconsistent year.

A defeat at basement club Northampton Foxes harshly reflected a season that never truly got going.

Too often, the Stars have started meetings slowly, leaving themselves a mountain to climb, although at times, their resilience has shone through to keep meetings tight.

Travelling to the league’s bottom side represented a chance to finish with some pride, but instead, the Stars slipped to another defeat that summed up their struggles.

Whether it was slow starts, inconsistency or simply an inability to build sustained confidence, the season never reached the heights supporters had hoped for when the tapes first went up in the spring.

There is no doubting the effort that has gone into the campaign from riders, management and the loyal supporters who have followed the team up and down the country.

However, speedway can be a brutally honest sport, and league tables rarely lie.

The winter ahead brings a period of reflection and rebuilding as everyone connected with the club seeks a route back towards greater competitiveness in 2027.

If the senior side’s season ended with disappointment, the Young Stars ensured there was still plenty to celebrate.

On a personal note, their superb victory at Leicester provided the perfect birthday present and capped what has been a remarkable effort from a team that has overcome more than its fair share of setbacks.

Injuries have tested the squad throughout the campaign, forcing riders to step up and shoulder additional responsibility when circumstances demanded it.

To emerge from those challenges and secure third place in the league is an achievement that deserves significant recognition.

At the heart of that success has been skipper Simon Lambert.

His leadership, experience and unwavering commitment have been invaluable all season. When the Young Stars needed direction, Lambert provided it. When they needed inspiration, he often delivered that too.

Alongside him, Dan Gilkes proved what a classy performer he can be, given an injury-free run.

He produced vital points and displayed the sort of professionalism that every successful team requires. His contribution should not be underestimated.

And then there is Jake Mulford, deservedly crowned the Pride of the East Podcast Rider of the Season.

Mulford has developed into one of the standout performers, not only in the NDL but also in the Championship, combining speed, determination and consistency to become a genuine match-winner.

His performances have thrilled supporters and underlined why he remains one of the brightest prospects associated with the club.

The victory at Leicester was a fitting reward for a group that refused to let adversity define them. Finishing third may not bring silverware, but it represents a significant accomplishment given the obstacles faced throughout the season.

As this chapter closes, there is a sense of disappointment surrounding the Stars but genuine pride around the Young Stars. In many ways, that contrast tells the story of speedway in King’s Lynn during 2026.

One team leaves supporters looking for answers, while the other leaves them believing the future could be very bright indeed.