PREVIEW: OXFORD v POOLE (Cab Direct Champ)

THE top two sides in the Cab Direct Championship clash at Cowley tonight (Wednesday) as Oxford and Poole both defend 100 per cent records in the league, with another bumper crowd expected.

The Cheetahs are top with five wins out of five, whilst the Pirates have maximum points from four matches after winning a Super Heat at Redcar last Friday.

The visitors have had the edge in their meetings over the last two seasons, although Oxford did gain a narrow home win in the KO Cup recently.

But the home side will again be without wrist injury victim Jordan Jenkins, with rider replacement in operation.

Cheetahs boss Peter Schroeck said: “We got the Poole monkey off our back a few weeks ago when beating them in the KO Cup, but we really want to lay down a marker to the rest of the division.

“Every voice on the terraces will be huge. We hear you from the pits, and it makes the world of difference. Our supporters have been extraordinary this season and we want to keep the good times rolling.

“So, round up your friends, get your family together and bring the U16s along and let’s get Oxford Stadium rocking. We know Poole are a tough team, but we’re capable of continuing this run on home shale and we have every intention of doing that.”

Pirates promoter Dan Ford said: “In previous visits our riders have certainly been aware of the encouragement from the Poole faithful and with Oxford in the midst of a rich vein of form, just like we are, then this meeting could swing on small margin.

“Seeing a sea of Pirates on the third and fourth turns, where our fans have tended to congregate will undoubtedly be a huge boost to our boys.

“With Oxford going really well then we can ill-afford to throw any points away, so the more encouragement our boys get then the better.”

OXFORD: Sam Masters, Jordan Jenkins R/R, Lewis Kerr, Cameron Heeps, Scott Nicholls, Henry Atkins, Ryan Kinsley.
POOLE: Steve Worrall, Anders Rowe, Ben Cook, Zach Cook, Richard Lawson, Kyle Newman, Adam Roynon.