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Team News| Birmingham Lions vs Suffolk Saxons
Monday 17 October

In summary

• Birmingham start with four of the starting eight who appeared in the Championship final over Loughborough Lightning
• Suffolk Saxons hand AJ Bell NBL debuts to three players as they make their league bow
• Sarah Walker returns to Birmingham in Saxons colours
• Danish international Rasmus Fladberg handed a debut
• Saxons head coach Anthony Clark names himself is his first ever starting line-up

Reigning champions Birmingham Lions include four of the title-winning eight from May's final as they welcome new side Suffolk Saxons to the iconic Great Hall at University of Birmingham on match-night one of the new season.

Heather Olver , fresh from Rio 2016, Fontaine Chapman and Gary Fox join captain Toby Penty once again in the Lions' ranks as they look to start their title defence in front of their home fans.  And head coach Lorraine Coles hands a debut to Danish international Rasmus Fladberg Nielsen who will play men's doubles.

The Dane is not the only overseas signing to get a first taste of AJ Bell NBL action. Hong Kong international Yeung Hiu Tung partners Olver in the women's doubles event.

The Lions are making good use of the AJ Bell NBL's new feature which allows a maximum of two players from each team to 'double up' and play two events per match-night. Olver will play women's doubles and pair Penty in the mixed.

Suffolk Saxons hand three AJ Bell NBL debuts in a side blending English experience with youth.  The Saxon's debutants include head coach Anthony Clark who swaps commentary box for court star to play mixed doubles alongside summer signing Sarah Walker .

Walker, the two time national champion, will play both mixed and women's doubles on her return to Birmingham to face her old side.  England rising star Zoe King will debut alongside Walker's experience in the women's doubles.

Head Coach Anthony Clark, the double world championshipfinal

Another debutant will be reigning Under 19 national champion Johnnie Torjussen who made a summer switchfrom Univerisity of Nottingham Badminton.

Torjussen will pair up with the experienced head of AndyEllis , an ever present for Team Derby in the past two season. Thebalance of Torjussen's youth with Ellis' big match experience could be a keyelement to match-night success in Birmingham.

Joel Douse , another capture from Nottingham, will lead thesingles charge in just his second NBL appearance in his short career. Former England international Caroline Westley will contend the women's singles as she looks to secure her first solo win inthe NBL.

Key Event |  Mixed Doubles :   Toby Penty & Heather Olver    vs   Anthony Clark & Sarah Walker

Tickets|  Book the edge of your seat here to watch Birmingham Lions vs Suffolk Saxons