CHEETAHS BACK ON TOP

OXFORD returned to the top of the Cab Direct Championship table with an empathic 59-31 win over Plymouth at Cowley.

The Cheetahs recorded five 5-1s and five 4-2s in a dominant display which saw the Gladiators restricted to just three race wins.

Sam Masters scored 12 points and was unbeaten apart from missing out in Heat 13 when he touched the tapes, and debutant Ashton Boughen collected an impressive 7+1. Kyle Howarth notched 10 from six rides for the visitors.

The result leaves Oxford on 30 points with two matches remaining, with Poole on 29 and Glasgow on 26 from the same number of fixtures in the race to finish top and select their play-off opponents.

Cheetahs boss Peter Schroeck said: “We’re really pleased with that one. Plymouth travelled without their usual team in place, but the boys kept it professional and got the job done that was required.

“When everyone scores at least seven points, you’ve got to be happy. It was another fine team performance and if we keep that form up we’ll be in a good place heading into the play-offs.

“The supporters were incredible tonight too. We say it every week, but we really couldn’t do it without the fans.

“They turn up week in, week out, and it makes the world of difference to the boys in the pits. They feed off the atmosphere and it shows in our results without doubt.”

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