CHARGERS ARE CHAMPIONS

OXFORD were crowned NDL champions after defeating Leicester 34-32 in a one-off Grand Final at Cowley on Tuesday.

The Chargers secured the club’s first team silverware for 18 years with victory over the Lion Cubs in a close contest between the league’s top two sides.

Unfortunately the meeting was curtailed with four races to go after a serious crash for Leicester’s Max Perry, with heavy rain moving in during the ensuing delay to make further racing impossible.

Ryan Kinsley (8+1) and Henry Atkins (7+1) top-scored for the Chargers, whilst Dan and Joe Thompson both scored eight points for the Lion Cubs.

Oxford boss Peter Schroeck said: “We’re absolutely delighted – I’m so pleased for everyone who supports this special club and those who work hard behind the scenes. This is for you all!

“It’s not the way we wanted to win the championship, and of course our thoughts are with Max Perry who we wish a speedy recovery after his crash. But the boys got stuck in when the going got tough and they deserve this – it’s been an incredible season.

“It was clear to everyone conditions were too dangerous to continue, and we thank the Leicester management for their cooperation in bringing the meeting to a sensible conclusion after we had passed the point where a result could be called.

“This special team deserved a reward for all their hard work this season – and tonight they brought it home.”

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Photo credit: LES AUBREY