PREVIEW: Cheetahs well-prepared for must-win BSN Series tie against Plymouth
Peter Schroeck believes the Monarch Cheetahs have learnt a lot from last week’s double-header against Poole Pirates and is hopeful of a return to form on home shale tonight.
The Cheetahs host Plymouth Gladiators at Oxford Stadium (7.30pm) in a must-win BSN Series Southern Group fixture if hopes of qualifying for the competition’s play-offs are to remain alive.
Defending League and KO Cup champions Poole edged Schroeck’s men 43-46 at Sandy Lane on opening night before Cheetahs were beaten 57-33 on the south coast on Good Friday.
It means Cheetahs are required to defeat Plymouth at home and on the road next Tuesday, April 18, to stand a chance of qualifying as the competition’s best placed runner-up in the group stage.
Schroeck has backed his men to respond accordingly and is confident of registering a first win of the season.
“We were disappointed not to come away with any points last week,” said Schroeck. “But Poole are a quality side, and we can’t be too hard on ourselves.
“The opportunity to qualify for the BSN Series play-offs is still there for us to take, so that’s what we must shift our focus towards.
“As a team, we learnt a lot last week and we feel in a stronger position now we have two competitive meetings under our belt. Plymouth are yet to race, and the weather gods put pay to their home fixture on Tuesday.
“We must use that – and our home track knowledge – to our advantage and build up a big enough lead so we can challenge for an aggregate bonus point which is essential.”
Cheetahs have made one change to their line-up with Scott Nicholls changing places in the team with fellow heat leader Lewis Kerr.
Plymouth meanwhile will be led by proven Championship heat leaders Kyle Howarth and Richie Worrall with ex-Cheetah Paul Starke also in the Gladiators squad.
“Like ourselves, Plymouth have a nice blend of youth and experience and can be a dangerous team,” said Schroeck. “We all know how powerful Dan Gilkes can be in the main body of the team, and Kyle Howarth and Richie Worrall are proven performers at this level.
“It was encouraging to see us winning plenty of heats on home shale last week, but we ran too many last places and that’s something we need to improve on against Plymouth.
“Packing the minor placings is what wins you meetings, and we have every faith in our riders to work together and record a positive result.”
Tickets for the Monarch Cheetahs’ BSN Series fixture at home to Plymouth Gladiators are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here.Adults are priced £20 – £22 on the day – and all U16s go FREE!
Monarch Cheetahs: Sam Masters, Cameron Heeps, Scott Nicholls, Jordan Jenkins, Lewis Kerr, Henry Atkins, Luke Killeen.
Plymouth Gladiators: Kyle Howarth, Dan Gilkes, Paul Starke, Ben Barker, Richie Worrall, Jake Turner, Ben Trigger.