POSTPONED: OXFORD v SWINDON SELECT (Ch)

OXFORD’S much-awaited season-opener against a Swindon Select side has been postponed due to the weather. The meeting has been re-arranged for Wednesday April 19, with Jason Doyle already confirmed in the Robins team on that date.

OXFORD launch their second season back in the sport at Cowley with a special challenge match as the Cheetahs take on a Swindon Select team tonight (Wednesday).

Team boss Peter Schroeck regards the meeting as ideal preparation for his side ahead of the Cab Direct Championship campaign, in addition to highlighting the clear need for speedway to return to Swindon.

Legendary Robins boss Alun Rossiter takes charge of a side which includes 2019 Premiership title winners Jason Doyle and Adam Ellis, and many visiting supporters are expected to be in attendance.

Schroeck said: “The hype and anticipation for this meeting since we announced it would be taking place has been phenomenal. This is only a pre-season fixture, but ticket sales prove to us just how popular speedway is locally and we’re anticipating the biggest crowd of our new era.

“There is a great rivalry between Oxford and Swindon and while no quarter is given on track, we ultimately want to see both clubs thrive and be part of a new dawn for British Speedway.

“Sadly, events of recent years mean the Robins are no longer racing competitively. As our supporter base knows, it’s important to keep the name alive which is why we were keen to invite the club to be our first opponents of the year.

“The boys responded well to our practice sessions last week and this fixture will put us in a good position ahead of our first competitive meeting against Poole Pirates a week later.”

OXFORD: Sam Masters, Cameron Heeps, Lewis Kerr, Jordan Jenkins, Scott Nicholls, Henry Atkins, Luke Killeen.
SWINDON SELECT: Jason Doyle, Anders Rowe, Kyle Howarth, Justin Sedgmen, Adam Ellis, Jack Smith, Sam Hagon.

Photo credit: LES AUBREY