Berwick Bandits v Oxford Cheetahs

BERWICK blasted back to form with a 53-37 win over Oxford to move up to sixth in the Cab Direct Championship table.

The Bandits maintained their 100 per cent home record in the league as they blew the Cheetahs away in the opening seven races, with four 5-1s seeing them lead 30-12 at that stage.

Oxford skipper Sam Masters put in a tremendous individual display to stem the tide, and the only defeat in his 17-point haul came in Heat 15 at the hands of Peter Kildemand.

The Dane top-scored for the Bandits with 11+2, and reserve Jack Smith also impressed with 10+3 from five rides, whilst Jye Etheridge was withdrawn with an elbow injury.

Berwick manager Stewart Dickson said: “I demanded a response after Friday (at Redcar in the BSN Series semi-final) and got it, even though we allowed Oxford back into the meeting in the later stages.

“Losing Jye stopped our momentum a little but it was useful to be able to call on Jack.

“We go to Plymouth next weekend for a Cup Final rehearsal, but the real importance is to move up the Championship table.”

CAB DIRECT CHAMPIONSHIP
BERWICK 53: Peter Kildemand 11+2, Victor Palovaara 9, Jack Smith 10+3, Nick Morris 9+1, Jye Etheridge 5, Reid Battye 5, Jordan Jenkins 4+3.
OXFORD 37: Sam Masters 17, Mitchell McDiarmid 7, Darryl Ritchings 5, Anders Rowe 4+1, Edward Kennett 3, Dayle Wood 1+1, Luke Killeen 0.

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Photo credit: KEITH HAMBLIN