HOME WIN FOR GLADIATORS

PLYMOUTH skipper Ben Barker returned to top form to lead his side to a 52-37 win over Oxford in the Cab Direct Championship.

Barker, who has had time out after appendix surgery, scored 12+1 from five rides for the Gladiators who took the win despite being without Nicolai Klindt and with the home debut of Scott Nicholls thwarted by mechanical issues as he scored three.

Reserve Alfie Bowtell (11+1), Joe Thompson (10+1) and guest Tobias Thomsen (9+1) all contributed strongly for the home side as they reeled in an early deficit to record a comfortable win.

Oxford had gone six points up in the first two races, but a much-changed side was unable to hold on. Sam Masters scored 14+1 from six rides and they remain fourth in the table, but they are under increasing threat from Redcar.

Cheetahs boss Peter Schroeck said: “It’s been a rough week, trying to get riders together, and we were some missing key riders around here tonight and that hurt us.

“My thanks to those riders who did accept the guest booking for us – Zaine Kennedy took a knock but continued in the meeting.

“It was an eventful meeting, but we were beaten by the better team on the night. But we won’t dwell on it. We’ll re-group and we’ll keep on pushing on.”

OFFICIAL REFEREE SCORECARD
Available here

Photo credit: CHANNIA FARR