CHEETAHS WIN; PIRATES TOP

OXFORD defeated Poole in a Super Heat after a pulsating 45-45 draw between the Cab Direct Championship rivals at Cowley.

Cheetahs captain Scott Nicholls charged through to join team-mate Sam Masters for a maximum in the decisive race, which had been re-started with all four riders after Masters went down on turn two in the initial staging as Tom Brennan looked to force his way through.

Masters was unbeaten throughout the meeting having recorded a 14+1 paid maximum in the regular heats, with Nicholls adding 11.

Reserve Sam Hagon (12) inspired the Pirates’ comeback from four points down by winning Heats 8 and 9, with Richard Lawson scoring 11, and the league point for the draw still moves them to the top of the table.

Masters said: “I’m happy we got the win, because I think we deserved it. Everyone dug deep and everyone put in a massive effort. To beat Poole either home or away is tough and I’m stoked we’ve done that tonight.

“I had the easy job in the re-run. Scott did the hard yards, but he’s a class rider and he got through. When I looked over my shoulder and saw Scott in second place, I was well happy.

“I’m stoked with the result and it builds confidence to take to Redcar on Friday and for the rest of the season. If we can beat Poole, you can put up a fight with anyone.”

Pirates promoter Dan Ford said: “Naturally we are disappointed with the final result, but however, on reflection, I think we can take some heart in the fact that we pushed Oxford so hard on their own turf.

“Everyone in attendance was treated to a fantastic back and forth fixture which is always what we want as a sport, tough tight contests, and that is certainly what we got.

“I think we have put ourselves in a decent position for the return fixture at Wimborne Road and the aggregate point.”

OFFICIAL REFEREE SCORECARD
Available here

Photo credit: STEVE EDMUNDS