Oxford Chargers v Leicester Lion Cubs

OXFORD were held to a 46-44 win over NDL leaders Leicester in Wednesday’s play-off first leg at Cowley.

Home skipper Jordan Jenkins overtook Connor Coles for second place in Heat 15 to keep the Chargers ahead, but their margin was restricted throughout as Dan Thompson completed a paid maximum for the Lion Cubs.

Jenkins scored 13 from six rides, having fallen in Heat 1, whilst Jody Scott and Jacob Clouting both scored 7+2 and newcomer Ashton Boughen won two races. Thompson (14+1) and Coles (11) led the way for the Lion Cubs.

Scott said: “We’ve won the meeting, we’ve got the lead and we’ve got to do our best at Leicester and keep ourselves ahead.

“I’ve ridden at Leicester quite a lot. We didn’t go so well at Leicester last time, but we’ll be looking to up our game this time to get through to the Final.”

Cubs boss Dave Howard said: “They obviously had some strong riders and a strong unattached rider in, but we just kept plugging away, and to keep them within two points puts us in a great position for Saturday.

“Dan had a fantastic night with a paid maximum, Connor was really strong, and Max (Perry) getting those two 5-1s with Dan was crucial early in the meeting as well.

“Overall everyone gave 100 per cent, and it was a great effort by the guys to keep it within those two points.”

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE PLAY-OFF, SEMI-FINAL, 1st leg
OXFORD 46: Jordan Jenkins 13, Jody Scott 7+2, Jacob Clouting 7+2, Ashton Boughen 7+1, Sam Hagon 6, Henry Atkins 6, Nathan Stoneman r/r
LEICESTER 44: Dan Thompson 14+1, Connor Coles 11, Joe Thompson 8, Max Perry 6+1, Mickie Simpson 3, Tom Spencer 1+1, Vinnie Foord 1.

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Photo credit: LES AUBREY