This Monday the Kent SLYDE Kings take on Birmingham in a challenge match at Central Park. The aptly named Revenge Challenge will see Birmingham looking to seek a moral boosting victory after Kent beat them twice this season.
Having been beaten by the Brummies in 5 out of the 6 meetings (the exception being a draw) between the two sides last season Kent will be looking for one final victory just to add a touch of gloss to the head to heads.
The major news heading into the meeting is that Graham Drury will not be in charge of the Birmingham side on Monday evening – they will be led by Kent Kestrels manager John Sampford. The other absentee from the Brummies camp will be Jack Parkinson-Blackburn. The reasons for these two absentees are not known to us and we are still awaiting news of whether it will be a guest or Rider Replacement that is operated for JPB on Monday night.
One rider who will definitely be in action on Monday is the ever popular former King David Mason. David spent three seasons with the Kings in two periods the second of which came in 2016. Mason began the season at Lakeside but was part of the changes that saw Paul Hurry join the club. It was part of the same changes that saw George Hunter depart the Hammers shortly before joining us, a move which has seen the young Hunter score some very valuable points from the reserve berth.
Another popular Birmingham rider here at Central Park is Tom Bacon. Tom has been a hit amongst the Kings faithful since his sizzling double figure performance as a guest for Kent ironically at Perry Barr against Birmingham in 2015. This performance was made all the more remarkable given he was thrown in as a heat leader and it was his first full season in the National League.
The Kent SLYDE Kings will be looking to have sealed their Play Off with fixtures the two days before at Eastbourne and Buxton. The Kings will be missing Ben Hopwood on Sunday at Buxton but he will be restored to the side for this fixture against Birmingham and leading the side as ever from the number 1 berth will be captain Luke Bowen.
The Kings will once again be missing Bradley Hunter due to his finger injuries that he sustained in the recent victory against Birmingham at Perry Barr. Details of the replacement for Bradley will be made once it is own. Also missing will be Jack Thomas who has been granted leave with the clubs blessing from the 18th due to pre arranged family commitments that were made before this fixture was made. These also see Jack miss the visit to Stoke and the NLRC.
The action will be getting under way as ever at 6:30pm with the parade of riders shortly before.