SPIRES SUCCESS IN OPENER

OXFORD skipper Chris Harris led his new side to a narrow opening-night Premiership win over Birmingham – after the Brummies had threatened an incredible fightback.

Harris came from the back in Heats 14 and 15 to see the Cowley outfit home 47-43, with the visitors initially gating on a 5-1 in the finale which would have drawn the contest and set up a Super Heat.

The hosts roared into a 25-11 lead after six races in a meeting which went ahead despite heavy rain in the build-up, but the Brummies charged back and cut the gap to two points with two heats remaining.

Harris made the difference with 13 points, whilst recent Birmingham signing Scott Nicholls also showed his class with 11+1 and visiting skipper Steve Worrall picked up 11.

Oxford manager Peter Schroeck said: “Credit to both teams, Birmingham really put up a fight and failed to give in. We had to dig deep but the boys showed that determination which is a great quality in any team.

“Conditions were as good as we could’ve wished for considering the weather. The track staff did a fantastic job preparing the surface and ensuring it could handle the forecast rain which arrived before the meeting.

“All in all, it was a positive night and we can look forward to Sheffield next week and another tough challenge.”

Brummies manager Sam Ermolenko said: “The venue had a lot of water on it, we hadn’t had much track time whereas the Oxford riders had been on their track on Wednesday.

“But to be fair to the guys, everybody pulled together and showed that the determination is there and to me that counts a lot – I’m very proud.

“Some of the riders had some good rides and were pretty comfortable, some of the riders struggled a little bit; I don’t want to single anyone out good or bad after the first meeting, but I think there’s room for everybody to improve and that’s not a bad thing on opening night, it’s encouraging.”

OFFICIAL REFEREE SCORECARD
Available here