CHEETAHS FEND OFF GLADIATORS

OXFORD moved back into the Cab Direct Championship play-off places with a hard-fought 47-43 win over Plymouth at Cowley.

The Cheetahs were facing a Gladiators side with plenty of top-end power, and they were without Mitch McDiarmid due to an injury in Poland.

But a ten-point lead heading into the closing stages proved enough to defend despite the concession of a 5-1 in Heat 13 when skipper Sam Masters was disqualified after a clash with former Oxford captain Scott Nicholls.

There was more drama in Heat 15 with Cameron Heeps and the previously unbeaten Nicolai Klindt both penalised for starting infringements, before Nicholls beat Masters to narrow the gap to four points ahead of Saturday’s return in Devon.

Cheetahs reserve Luke Killeen scored an all-important 11+1 from seven rides, with Masters and Jonas Knudsen both on 9+1, whilst Klindt racked up 16 for the visitors and Nicholls continued his positive comeback with 10+2.

Killeen said: “I’m happy with my night. I didn’t win a race, but I scored consistent points throughout the night and that helped us win.

“I was flat out and took seven rides, but that’s what happens when you’re riding a reserve and doing well – I have no complaints about being busy!

“It’s tough when we’re using guests and rider replacement, but at the same time we came together as a side tonight and made sure we took the win.”

OFFICIAL REFEREE SCORECARD
Available here

Photo credit: STEVE EDMONDS