CHEETAHS HIT BY NICHOLLS CRASH

TOP scorer Cameron Heeps admitted Oxford’s Cab Direct KO Cup hopes took a huge hit when skipper Scott Nicholls crashed out of the first leg of the Final.

Nicholls lifted heading into the first bend of Heat 4 and tangled with Poole’s Tom Brennan, leading to a heavy smash for both riders.

Brennan was able to continue and score double figures for the Pirates at Cowley, but although Nicholls was also able to walk away he was taken to hospital with a shoulder injury.

Heeps battled on for 11+1 from six rides, but the Cheetahs had just three of their regular riders remaining and they went down to their first home defeat in 28 matches dating back to April 2023.

Said Heeps: “I had a decent night. I made the odd mistake here and there, but overall I had a good night. But I’m gutted for the team and I hope that Scott is okay. It’s not quite over yet, because there are 15 races still to be held, but we have made it hard for ourselves.

“Losing Scott was a big blow. He does fire up the whole team. He knows how to turn it on and when to turn it on, so to lose him in his first ride is just gutting.

“I’ve had a good year personally. We’ve also had a good year as a team, reaching a couple of finals, and I’ve had a great time with these lads.”

OFFICIAL REFEREE SCORECARD
Available here

Photo credit: STEVE EDMUNDS