Kennett Passes Fitness Test – KO Cup Semi-Final

Edward Kennett has been passed fit to lead Eastbourne in their KO Cup semi-final matches again Redcar this weekend.

The Fineprint Eagles captain has recovered from an arm injury and lines up at No 1 as the Sussex club aims to upset the favourites to win the competition.

Eastbourne will use the rider replacement facility to cover for suspended Georgie Wood and bring in guest Danny Phillips at reserve in place of the injured Alfie Bowtell.

Club director, Ian Jordan, explained the problems Eastbourne have in finding a replacement for Bowtell.

He said: “We will continue to seek the best available reserve options. 

“To clarify to supporters, this must be a rider with a lower Championship League (CL) average than Alfie has (3.10).

“There is no 5% (home meeting add on) for reserves and the criteria is that the reserve guest must have an average in CL in a declared 1-7 lower than Alfie, or come from the NDL with an assessed average of 2.0 points (not a declared CL 1-7).

“This really limits us in terms of opportunity, particularly with so many teams in the CL riding Friday / Saturday and Sunday and also with so many NDL matches. 

“We must point out to supporters, some of whom are suggesting names like Drew Kemp and Broc Nichol, that these options are simply not available to us. 

“We have booked what we believe to be the best options for the Redcar matches.”

Kyle Newman in action against the Bears

The first leg is at Redcar on Friday, with the second leg on Saturday at Arlington Stadium, starting at 7.30pm with gates opening at 5.45pm

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Teams at Redcar

Redcar: Jake Allen, Kasper Andersen, Michael Palm Toft, Jordan Stewart, Erik Riss, Tom Woolley, Nathan Greaves.

Eastbourne: Edward Kennett, r/r for Georgie Wood, Kyle Newman, Lewis Kerr, Richard Lawson, Danny Phillips, Jason Edwards.

Teams at Arlington

Redcar: Adam Ellis, Kasper Andersen, Michael Palm Toft, Jordan Stewart, Erik Riss, Tom Woolley, Nathan Greaves.

Eastbourne: Edward Kennett, r/r for Georgie Wood, Kyle Newman, Lewis Kerr, Richard Lawson, Danny Phillips, Jason Edwards.

Image credits: Tiffani Graveling Photography & Mike Hinves