Berwick Bandits v Oxford Cheetahs

Report

BERWICK moved up to seventh in the Cab Direct Championship after defeating Oxford in a sensational Super Heat at Shielfield Park.

The teams drew 45-45 with Cheetahs top two Scott Nicholls and Sam Masters combining for a 5-1 in Heat 15 to level the scores.

Masters then took the race win in the decider, but Bandits duo Drew Kemp and Lewis Kerr combined to keep Nicholls at the back in an epic struggle which saw the Oxford skipper twice split the home riders before being re-passed once more.

Nicholls had earlier piled up 17 points from six rides with Masters adding 12+2, both suffering their only losses to Kemp who was in inspired form for the Bandits with 15.

The Cheetahs took consolation from collecting a point for the draw in addition to the aggregate point, consolidating their position in the play-offs.

Berwick boss Stewart Dickson said: “I’m pleased for the boys. They worked hard in every race tonight and the reward was two points against a very good Oxford side.

“Drew was outstanding but to get eight points from Rory’s (Schlein) rider-replacement outings was an excellent return.

“We now look to wrap up our campaign against Workington next weekend and five points would be an ideal gift for our fans.”

CAB DIRECT CHAMPIONSHIP
BERWICK 45: Drew Kemp 15, Danyon Hume 9, Lewis Kerr 7+1, Lasse Fredriksen 6+2, Jye Etheridge 6+2, Freddy Hodder 2+2, Rory Schlein r/r.
OXFORD 45: Scott Nicholls 17, Sam Masters 12+2, Jordan Jenkins 6, Luke Killeen 5+1, Cameron Heeps 4+2, Ashton Boughen 1+1, Jody Scott 0.
Berwick win Super Heat 5-4
Oxford win the aggregate point.

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Photo credit: TAZ McDOUGALL