PREVIEW: OXFORD v POOLE (BSN SERIES)

OXFORD and Poole launch the new BSN Series when they meet in the Southern section at Cowley tonight (Wednesday).

The Cheetahs revamped their side over the winter to include a powerhouse top order, with new signings Sam Masters and Lewis Kerr joining skipper Scott Nicholls.

The Pirates are also racing for the first time this season with Steve Worrall taking over the captaincy, Adam Roynon making his debut and Kyle Newman back with the club after starting 2022 with Oxford.

Cheetahs boss Peter Schroeck said: “There’s no reason why we can’t challenge for silverware this season. But we need to stay fit, and we need to own our home patch.

“Poole held us to a draw last time we met at Sandy Lane and won earlier in the season, plus they reached the final of the Pairs tournament. Already, their record around Oxford is proven.

“They look strong again this season and we’ll have to be on our a-game to begin our BSN Series campaign on a winning note.

“We’re expecting a strong turnout and Poole will bring an army of supporters too which will generate a terrific atmosphere on the terraces which is exactly what we want.”

Poole promoter Dan Ford said: “This is going to be a good test for us but I believe our boys will put on a show to be proud of.

“And with the two teams meeting again on Friday at Wimborne Road it certainly looks like there are a couple of close contests on the cards this week, and I am sure I speak for fans across the region that it will be great to get some racing under our belts at last.”

OXFORD: Sam Masters, Cameron Heeps, Lewis Kerr, Jordan Jenkins, Scott Nicholls, Henry Atkins, Luke Killeen.
POOLE: Steve Worrall, Anders Rowe, Ben Cook, Zach Cook, Richard Lawson, Kyle Newman, Adam Roynon.