CHEETAHS IN SEVENTH HEAVEN

OXFORD kept their winning run going with a dramatic Super Heat victory after a 45-45 draw at Scunthorpe.

The Cheetahs now have a maximum 15 points from their opening seven Cab Direct Championship fixtures, and are six points clear at the top of the table.

Lewis Kerr and skipper Scott Nicholls successfully filled the minor places in the decisive race, keeping the Scorpions’ Jake Allen at the back.

The home side had earlier fought back from six points down to pull back level with a 5-1 in Heat 14, before a shared Heat 15 won by Ryan Douglas set up the finale.

Douglas piled up 17 points for the Scorpions as well as winning the Super Heat, but Drew Kemp was withdrawn after a crash in his second ride. Sam Masters (11+1) and Kerr (11) were in double figures for the Cheetahs.

Oxford boss Peter Schroeck said: “Every rider played a crucial role in tonight’s win. We entered as the form team, but I think it’s fair to say we were the underdogs given Scunthorpe’s home track advantage.

“From one to seven, the boys can be proud of their performance. Ryan (Kinsley) was a bit gutted to end the night with two last places after starting with a win, but that victory in Heat 2 really put us on the front foot in those early heats.

“We minimised last places and that’s what wins you speedway meetings. I’m so proud of the team performance and now we want to beat Berwick on Wednesday and reach the half-way point of the season with maximum points in the bag.”

Scunthorpe manager Dave Peet said: “We gave it a good shot with five riders against Oxford, who are unbeaten in the league and top of the table. We still battled back and collected a point from the meeting, and it could be a very important point come the end of the season.

“All the lads dug deep and put a shift in, but Oxford aren’t top of the league for nowt. It would have been tough with six riders – with five riders it was just a little too much.”

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Photo credit: IAN RISPIN