Kent SLYDE Kings now know their opponents in the semi final of Speedway’s National Knock-out Cup – and a local derby it is with the Eastbourne Eagles coming to Central Park next Monday.
The Sittingbourne-based SLYDE Kings have had to patiently await the outcome of the delayed quarter final between Eastbourne and fellow City Gearboxes National League new boys Birmingham before being able to confirm next Monday’s fixture.
However in sunny Sussex this afternoon (Sunday) that outstanding tie was finally concluded with the Eagles flying home to a 92-86 aggregate victory over the Second City side.
The semi-final first leg is certain to attract a large contingent of visiting fans from the Arlington-based Eagles and will be one of the most anticipated meetings of the season so far for the Central Park faithful.
Eastbourne have a very solid line up and proved to be very strong in their only previous visit to the Sittingbourne Dog Track home of the SLYDE-sponsored Kings.
Skippering the Eagles is the all-time record points scorer in the division and a Kings rider in 2013 and ’14 so well-known to the Kent public, David Mason. As a renowned track expert around the Central Park circuit, Mason will be expected to weave his ‘Magic’ attempting to propel his new charges into the Final in the first leg of this two part semi.
Another very popular rider with Kent fans (though never having actually ridden for the Murston-based outfit) is Marc Owen – now riding with his home town club, Owen was recognised as the most exciting visiting rider last term.
That distinction this year though might rest with the Kiwi, Bradley Wilson-Dean – the Kiwi newcomer has forced his way into the top five averages in the division in his first season here in the UK. Along with Maidstone-based convertee from Grasstrack Georgie Wood, the visitors likely line up is completed by Richard Andrews (who rode very well in the Eagles’ Easter Monday visit to Central Park), Matthew Bates and teenager reserve Kelsey Dugard.
Image courtesy of Elizabeth Leslie