Former Hampshire Second XI batsman Hugo Loudon was expected to face his old landlord today.

Opening bat and left arm spinner Loudon shared digs with second XI skipper Jason Laney before being released by Hampshire two years ago.

The 23-year-old spent the 1999 season and the second half of the 2000 campaign at Northlands Road.

But he was told of his release by director of cricket Tim Tremlett after averaging just seven with the bat in the Second XI championship.

"I wasn't surprised to be let go," said Loudon, who played club cricket for United Services and Hambledon during his two years in Hampshire.

"I was half expecting it because I didn't do quite well enough, but I would have liked more of a chance.

"I was quite young and only had a year-and-a-half but there were a lot of players released that year."

Loudon was hoping to remind Hampshire of his ability at Folkestone today after being named in the Kent Cricket Board 13 for the C&G third round clash.

He said: "I obviously know a few of the lads and I'm really looking forward to seeing them again.

"I stayed at Jason's house when I was at Hampshire and Will Kendall, Giles White and Dimi Mascarenhas all played a bit of second team cricket when I was there. I'm looking forward to playing against them."

James Hamblin, another of Lou-don's former second XI teamates, has been dropped from his pinch hitting role after single figure scores in his last three one day outings.

"I played golf with Hambo recently and Ed Smith, the Kent player, who told me how well he went down the wicket and hit through the line during their championship match at The Rose Bowl earlier this month.

"He's obviously improved a lot but he always had a very good eye.

"We were prepared to watch out for him at the top of the order but we know Hampshire will have 11 players who can do damage."

Playing commitments prevented Loudon from making a first trip to the completed Rose Bowl as Kent's 12th man three weeks ago.

"I played golf at The Rose Bowl when it was being developed but I haven't been there since it was completed," he added.

"It would have been nice to have gone as 12th man because, from what I hear, it's a lovely ground."

Former Eton College skipper Loudon, whose brother Alex has a summer contract at Kent, has graduated from Durham University with a history degree and starts work at accountants Price Waterhouse & Coopers in London in September.

Until then, he will concentrate on playing cricket for his club, Seven Oaks Vine.

"Five of our players are in the Board squad for the Hampshire game," he said.

"I've had a few good starts this season but would love to get a big score against them."