PREVIEW: OXFORD v SHEFFIELD (Prem)
OXFORD face a huge test in their second ROWE Motor Oil Premiership fixture with the visit of defending champions Sheffield tonight (Thursday).
The Spires narrowly defeated fellow newcomers Birmingham in wet conditions last week and are now set to take on a Tigers side packed with top-end power.
Tai Woffinden and Jack Holder are amongst the star names heading to Cowley, but home boss Peter Schroeck is confident previous practice will stand his side in good stead.
Schroeck said: “Sheffield are a really strong team on paper – there’s no denying that. But equally we have firepower and fight in our corner too – that was evident during last week’s meeting against Birmingham.
“The track held up really well and the team on the ground did an incredible job to get that fixture on. But we know the surface behaved completely differently to the previous day’s practice session which acted as a leveller in a way.
“We fought hard for every point and there was a great spirit in the camp. I want to see the same on Thursday night against a team proven at this level.”
Tigers boss Simon Stead said: “Oxford have built a solid looking team after coming into the Premiership but we are keen to get off to a good start.
“Because they rode there in the Championship last year, I think the lower part of our team can have a big say on the night.
“But as people already know, I’ve got a huge amount of faith in this team that we can have another great year, so roll on Thursday and let’s get started.”
OXFORD: Maciej Janowski, Charles Wright, Nicolai Klindt, Chris Harris, Rohan Tungate, Lewis Kerr, Ashton Boughen.
SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Kyle Howarth, Chris Holder, Josh Pickering, Tai Woffinden, Jason Edwards, Dan Gilkes.
SCB Referee: Wayne Jarvis
Photo credit: JEFF DAVIES
