The first of four semi-final legs criss-crossing the Kent SLYDE Kings’ fixture list over the next eight days is this evening (Monday 24/9) when the opponents are local rivals Eastbourne Eagles in the last four of the National League Knock-Out Cup [NKOC].
The Sussex side have a 100% record in this competition (winners of it in the past three years) but have tumbled to defeat in both of their previous short trips to Central Park Stadium this term and so Chris Hunt’s charges will be focused on building as big a possible first leg to take and defend at Arlington next Saturday.
For Kent, there’s a Guest at number one covering for long-term injury victim Paul Hurry – and it’s the tried and tested formula when it comes to guests for home matches; a rider who knows the circuit at Central Park better than almost anybody else: Ben Morley. The 2015 National League Riders’ Champion starts a busy week for himself personally (culminating on Sunday when he’ll be one of the favourites for sure in this year’s NLRC) by returning to his long-time home track (from 2013 to ’15 he was a near ever present Kings’ man) looking to help out his former employers against the traditional enemy from just over the border into Sussex.
Having moved back above the Eagles in the Travel Plus National League [TPTNL] standings following Sunday’s away win over Buxton, the SLYDE-backed Kings go into this match brimming with confidence and a mighty scrap is sure to ensue with no quarter given or asked.
The visitors are without their skipper, Mark Baseby (currently touring the USA) and their ‘Route 66’ to cover for the former League title winner with Bournemouth is Rider Replacement. Georgie Wood, Tom Brennan and Jason Edwards all got a recent glimpse of the Central Park circuit last week riding in the Tunnel Trophy match last week and make quick fire returns; but for twice German youth nationaler meister, Ethan Spiller it will be his first outing on the Central Park track.
Teams [in alphabetical order]: Kent SLYDE Kings: Jamie Couzins; Taylor Hampshire; Ben Morley [Guest]; Anders Rowe; Alex Spooner; Nathan Stoneman; Jack Thomas
Eastbourne Eagles: Tom Brennan; Charlie Brooks; Jason Edwards; Charley Powell; Ethan Spiller; Georgie Wood; Rider Replacement for Mark Baseby; no. 8 tbc