PREVIEW: POOLE v OXFORD (CAB DIRECT KO CUP FINAL)

POOLE are on the verge of securing British Speedway’s first Treble in six years as they go into tonight’s (Wednesday) season finale at home to Oxford.

The Pirates already have a massive 24-point lead from the first leg of the Cab Direct KO Cup Final, and aggregate victory will make them the first club to complete a clean sweep of three full team trophies since Workington in 2018.

And whilst the home side are at full strength and unchanged from their 57-33 win at Cowley last week, the visitors are remarkably down to just two of their regular riders.

Long-term absentees Adam Roynon and Jordan Jenkins have been joined by Luke Killeen, who is not fit to return after concussion, and skipper Scott Nicholls who crashed out of the first leg suffering shoulder damage, whilst Cameron Heeps is also absent with his partner due to give birth.

It means there are no fewer than five guests for the Cheetahs, with Jason Edwards and Simon Lambert joining their more regular stand-ins Dan Gilkes and Connor Coles, and Ben Trigger also comes in at reserve.

Poole boss Neil Middleditch said: “It is dangerous in speedway to take anything for granted, but for sure we are in a very strong position and you would have to say it is ours to lose.

“I know the lads will be keen to get it mathematically over the line and will treat this as any other meeting, with total professionalism and 100 per cent effort, but I can see it becoming a great night of celebration.”

Oxford manager Peter Schroeck said: “We know there is a huge task ahead; however, we will go to Poole, put on a show and finish the season as best we can.”

POOLE: Richard Lawson, Sam Hagon, Ben Cook, Zach Cook, Tom Brennan, Tobias Thomsen, Vinnie Foord.
OXFORD: Sam Masters, Simon Lambert, Ashton Boughen, Dan Gilkes, Jason Edwards, Ben Trigger, Connor Coles.
SCB Referee: Chris Gay

*LIVE STREAMING: https://watch.britishspeedway.co.uk