Oxford Cheetahs v Poole Pirates

Report

OXFORD got the better of fierce rivals Poole in the battle of the top two in the Cab Direct Championship with a 52-38 win at Cowley.

The Cheetahs delivered their best performance of the season in front of a packed crowd to go four points clear in the league standings with their sixth win out of six in the league.

Scott Nicholls (14), Lewis Kerr (14), Sam Masters (10+1) and in-form reserve Henry Atkins (9+1) all returned with paid double-figure points hauls as the defending champions were limited to four race wins. Richard Lawson top-scored for the visitors with 12+1.

Cheetahs boss Peter Schroeck said: “We’re really pleased with the result, and it concludes a busy period where we’ve earned maximum points.

“The racing was spectacular too, and while we give no inch on track off it we’re building a healthy rivalry with the Pirates whose fans always turn out in force – credit to them too.

“To earn a 14-point win is great. There were moments which went for us, and moments against. But overall we’re delighted and we’ll travel to Wimborne Road knowing we have a lead we’re capable of defending.”

Poole promoter Dan Ford said: “We certainly didn’t go there believing we would only have four race wins and converting just two of those into heat advantages, but fair play to Oxford, they were on song.

“All too often we were too static at the starts and when sides are in the sort of form that they (Oxford) currently are, then it becomes an uphill struggle.

“I guess that there aren’t too many positives to take from our performance this evening, but there are still plenty of points to ride for and the league can’t be won in June.”

CAB DIRECT CHAMPIONSHIP
OXFORD 52: Lewis Kerr 14, Scott Nicholls 13+1, Sam Masters 11, Henry Atkins 9+1, Ryan Kinsley 5+4, Cameron Heeps 5+3, Jordan Jenkins r/r
POOLE 38: Richard Lawson 12+1, Zach Cook 7+1, Steve Worrall 6+1, Kyle Newman 6, Ben Cook 5, Anders Rowe 1+1, Adam Roynon 1+1

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Photo credit: LES AUBREY