LEICESTER’S National League youngsters travel to Kent for a top-of-the-table clash on Monday (6.30pm).
It’s the first of two matches in two nights for the Roger Webster Lion Cubs, who sit second in the table just two points behind the Kings, and with two matches in hand.
They also have a home clash with third-placed Isle of Wight to look forward to on Tuesday in an important spell of just over 24-hours.
And the trip to Central Park also marks a further red letter day in the progression of 15-year-old talents Joe and Dan Thompson, who now move into the main body of the team with new averages in operation, having both have enjoyed hugely successful starts to life in the third tier.
The Thompson Twins’ elevation means Ryan MacDonald and Ryan Terry-Daley become the Cubs’ new-look reserve partnership whilst rider-replacement is again in operation for Luke Ruddick who is still unable to return.
Ruddick remains third in the averages for now, meaning skipper Danyon Hume is eligible for an extra ride, although he will drop to fourth when the figures change again for the month of August.
Kent top the table despite a catastrophic run of injuries this season, which currently sees Robert Ledwith and Alex Spooner on the sidelines.
The Kings, who were held to a recent home draw by the IOW, bring in Adam Extance to guest for Ledwith, whilst Spooner’s riders are covered by the r/r facility.
And the hosts have been relieved to have Dan Gilkes – one half of a very powerful reserve duo with Nathan Ablitt – declared fit to race after a crash at Plymouth on Friday where he suffered a sprained wrist.
Cubs co-boss Dave Howard said: “This will be the first match for Dan and Joe in the top five of the team, and I’m sure it will push them on further.
“We all saw last week what Dan did in overtaking Ben Wilson and some great riding from Joe too for a paid maximum against Plymouth, so I’m sure they’ll rise to the challenge of being in the top five.
“Danyon and Ellis (Perks) are leading the team brilliantly and it’s now down to the two Ryans to become our strong reserves. All credit to the boys for the points they’ve put on the board so far.”
Kent promoter Len Silver has confirmed the meeting is set to go ahead following extensive work from track staff to remove water from the circuit after the weekend rainfall.
KENT: Anders Rowe, Alex Spooner R/R, Jordan Jenkins, Adam Extance, Drew Kemp, Dan Gilkes, Nathan Ablitt.
LEICESTER: Ellis Perks, Dan Thompson, Luke Ruddick R/R, Joe Thompson, Danyon Hume, Ryan MacDonald, Ryan Terry-Daley.
