REPORT: Brave Chargers fall just short against in-form Bullets

Oxford Chargers came very close to a point but were out of luck in an opening 40-50 defeat at Berwick on Saturday night, writes Rob Peasley.

Chargers needed a heat advantage from Heat 15. With Nathan Stoneman out front, Jordan Jenkins roared under Luke Crang on the first bend of lap two for the crucial third place. But his momentum took him into Kyle Bickley and both came down, along with the following Crang who promptly laid down.

Several Oxford riders visibly improved as the night progressed as they blew off the cobwebs, while Ben Hopwood twice fell in scoring points, including while leading Heat 12.

Joint team manager Peter Schroeck was upbeat after the meeting. He said: “We were a bit unlucky. But I’m really proud how well they rode, because I think it’s quite respectable to come here and only lose by 10 points – it’s one of the tougher away meetings.

“Both me and Jason (Crump) were so chuffed, because the boys kept on battling and we were so close to a point in our very first meeting.

“There were quite a few of our lads who hadn’t raced for quite a while, and that’s tough, but they all picked themselves up and scored some points. Nathan Stoneman had never seen this track before, but still scored heavily.

“With Sam Hagon, he had an engine problem with his first bike. We found out what it was, so he jumped on his second bike and then we could see what the boy could do, because he was flying. Ben Hopwood hasn’t raced for a few years – he was jumping out of the starts, and we know he’s got the talent and his match fitness will come.

“Jordan (Jenkins) always gives it 100% and that’s what he was doing in that final race. If he didn’t go in like that, I’d ask him ‘what’s the matter with you?’. It didn’t work out, but racing is racing. For our first meeting, I think the Oxford fans can be proud of these lads.”

Berwick Bullets 50: Kyle Bickley 13, Kieran Douglas 3+1, Ben Rathbone 5+2, Greg Blair 8+1, Luke Crang 8, Mason Watson 6+1, Ace Pijper 7+1.

Oxford Chargers 40: Jordan Jenkins 11, Sam Hagon 5+1, Ben Hopwood 4, Jacob Clouting 4, Nathan Stoneman 10, Sam Woods 1+1, Arran Butcher 5.