PREVIEW: KENT EAGLES v THURROCK SELECT (CH)

KENT Eagles stage a special challenge match against a Thurrock Hammers side at Iwade today (midday).

The Ken-Ex Cup was originally contested between Canterbury and Romford back in the early 1970s, and efforts to bring the sport back to Essex under the Thurrock banner continue after the loss of Lakeside Hammers who last raced in 2018.

Kent are assisting those efforts by staging this meeting to keep the awareness going, and it also provides track time for riders with a lengthy gap since their previous home fixture.

The hosts bring in Mickie Simpson to guest for Jacob Clouting who is on NDL duty with Oxford, whilst youngster Hayden Watts lines up at reserve in place of the injured Charlie Wood.

Kent co-owner Michael Gray said: “Although there are no league points at stake, this match means a lot to both camps and it will certainly be hotly contested.

“We remain hopeful that once again the sun will shine and supporters will turn up in their numbers to enjoy another spectacle as we witnessed against Leicester.”

KENT: Nathan Ablitt, Mickie Simpson, Vinnie Foord, Jamie Etherington, Ben Morley, Nathan Hargrave, Hayden Watts.

THURROCK: Alfie Bowtell, Luke Harris, Ben Trigger, Eli Meadows, Matt Marson, Harrison Rogers, Kenzie Cossey.

SCB Referee: Simon Humphrey-Kennett