CHEETAHS WIN AFTER BIG CRASH

OXFORD defeated Glasgow 52-38 in the clash of the Cab Direct Championship’s two unbeaten sides – as three riders had a miracle escape in an horrific Heat 5 crash.

Cheetahs guest Rory Schlein, team-mate Jordan Jenkins and Tigers No.1 Chris Harris were all involved in the pile-up on the third bend but remarkably walked away, although Schlein withdrew from the remainder of the meeting.

But the home side overcame the loss of a heat-leader to make it ten wins from ten, clinching victory with a 5-1 from Jenkins and key reserve Cameron Heeps (11+2) in Heat 14 after Claus Vissing had been disqualified.

Sam Masters scored 14 for the Cheetahs and Scott Nicholls picked up 10+2, whilst Harris led the scoring for the Tigers with 12+2.

Oxford boss Peter Schroeck said: “Firstly, we’re relieved Jordan, Rory and Chris walked away from the crash. It was horrific and the atmosphere in the stadium was just sapped away while the medics did their job.

“Huge credit must go to our track staff who did an outstanding job getting the meeting back on in such short time given the scale of the damage that was done. After the incident, the racing was outstanding and it was a real close meeting between two great teams.

“It was a great advert for speedway first and foremost and on the terraces there was a real carnival atmosphere which was great to see and exactly what we aspire to deliver every week.”

Glasgow manager Cami Brown said: “We kept it tight until the last couple of heats but we never could find that extra level we needed. 

“They lost Rory Schlein but still had enough strength in depth, so fair play to them. There were a few positives for us, but it was frustrating not to come away with something better.

“Chris Harris was once again sensational all night, but we need to make sure he has more back-up away from home.”

OFFICIAL REFEREE SCORECARD
Available here

Photo credit: LES AUBREY