Frustration that again the Knock-out Out Cup first round tie against Stoke hasn’t been decided, after the Potters management called off the fixture on Saturday will be put behind them as full concentration will be needed to get back to wining ways against a strong Bees side who are a number of people’s tip to make the top four and the play off positions.
Co-promoter Len Silver commented: “It was very frustrating that the second leg cup match was called off by Stoke. I’m happy to say though that our track at Central Park is in first class condition having installed additional granite during this week”
With Kent’s heat leader Nathan Stoneman missing with a badly swollen knee after a heavy crash at the SLYDE Kings’ last home match a fortnight ago, Silver gave a pre-meeting call to action to his charges,
“There’s no doubt it’s a tough call on Monday with Nathan missing. All our riders except Luke [Bowen] can take a ride for under the Rider Replacement facility we can use to cover. My message to our riders is..’ Let’s restore our reputation and show how proud we are to be part of the best’ “.
For the Bees, their number one Connor Mountain has been named in the GB Under 21 World Team Cup squad – competing in the semi-final at Glasgow next month.
Teams in alphabetical order (including averages):
Kent SLYDE Kings:
Luke Bowen 9.07; Jacob Clouting 3.00; Taylor Hampshire 4.18; Anders Rowe 5.07; Alex Spooner 3.00; Jack Thomas 7.43; Rider Replacement for Nathan Stoneman {7.08}; no. 8 tbc
Coventry Bees:
Jon Armstrong 7.58; Jamie Halder 4.38; Luke Harris 4.44; Ryan Macdonald 3.14; Connor Mountain 9.06; Danny Phillips 6.25; Luke Ruddick 5.31
The action gets underway at Central Park Stadium at 6.30pm.
Picture supplied by Elizabeth Leslie