Oxford Cheetahs v Edinburgh Monarchs

Report

OXFORD ran up a 54-36 win over Edinburgh in the first leg of their KO Cup tie despite losing heat-leader Lewis Kerr in an horrific Heat 4 crash.

Kerr collided with the Monarchs’ Craig Cook on the last bend with both riders falling heavily and Kerr being flung into the air – and although both remarkably walked away, the home star was withdrawn with concussion.

Sam Masters scored a 15-point maximum against his old club whilst skipper Scott Nicholls added 11+1, and Jordan Jenkins and Cameron Heeps both impressed with 10+1.

Cook continued after the crash with Kerr and totalled 12 for the visitors, who now face an uphill task in Friday’s second leg.

Cheetahs boss Peter Schroeck said: “We’ve built a strong lead, and I’d be disappointed if we don’t hold onto it. Two or three of our riders really enjoy the Edinburgh track, so anything other than winning on aggregate would be disappointing.

“I know Lewis’ history, he’s had some very nasty crashes and this one was especially bad.

“He was a passenger and got flung so high up in the air. It could’ve been much worse. He’s picked up concussion, so he’ll miss Friday, and next week at home against Redcar. It was just one of those racing incidents.”

Cook said: “The old saying is you need to pull the finger out, and we might need to pull two or three out on Friday.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do, but the boys are capable of doing it and we need to get the heads down and focus on Friday.”

CHAMPIONSHIP KNOCK OUT CUP, QUARTER-FINAL, 1st leg
OXFORD 54: Sam Masters 15, Scott Nicholls 11+1, Cameron Heeps 10+1, Jordan Jenkins 10+1, Luke Killeen 5+2, Henry Atkins 3, Lewis Kerr 0
EDINBURGH 36: Craig Cook 12, Chris Harris 7+1, Kyle Bickley 5+2, Kye Thomson 5, Paco Castagna 4+1, Jacob Hook2 , Lasse Fredriksen 1+1

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Photo credit: LES AUBREY