PREVIEW: Monarch Cheetahs head to Poole for Good Friday BSN Series return fixture
The Monarch Cheetahs’ BSN Series campaign resumes in Dorset on Good Friday when Peter Schroeck’s side race the return fixture against south coast rivals Poole Pirates (7.30pm).
Cheetahs slipped to a narrow 43-46 defeat against the defending Championship and Knockout Cup champions in front of a packed home crowd at Oxford Stadium to mark the beginning of the new season.
Despite the result, Team Manager Peter Schroeck took plenty of positives from Cheetahs’ opening fixture and plans to bounce back in Pirates’ own backyard this evening.
“We ran Poole very close on their home track last year, so we know we’re capable of earning a result,” said Schroeck. “This will be Pirates’ first meeting at Wimborne Road this season, something which we must use to our advantage.
“They’ll be slightly rusty at home, and we’ll be looking to make an early impact from heat one and build on the number of race wins we secured on Wednesday. I know a number of supporters will be making the Good Friday journey south and we’ll be giving it everything to reverse the formbook.”
Cheetahs are unchanged from Wednesday’s season opener, with Australian Sam Masters set to lead the Oxford charge once again.
Fresh from his 15-point maximum, Scott Nicholls will line-up at number five. Schroeck said winning at Poole is crucial if Cheetahs’ hopes of securing top spot in the Southern Group are to remain intact.
“A win is pretty crucial if we want to progress,” said Schroeck. “The nature of the competition means losing one home fixture puts you on the back foot, which is why Friday is a big meeting for us.
“There’s plenty of positives to take from Wednesday and we’ll be channelling all that energy into our riding. Sam (Masters) is a class act and if there’s one man determined to make a point it’s him.
“Scott (Nicholls) was outstanding in the home leg and our hearts went out to Luke (Killeen) when a mechanical fault denied him a first win at this level while we were sitting pretty on a maximum.
“This is a big challenge, but one we’re ready for and can’t wait to get started.”
Tapes-up at Wimborne Road is at 7.30pm. The Monarch Cheetahs return to home action on Wednesday, April 12, when Plymouth Gladiators visit in the BSN Series Southern Group.
Tickets for that meeting are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here. Adults are priced £20 and U16s go FREE!
Monarch Cheetahs: Sam Masters, Cameron Heeps, Lewis Kerr, Jordan Jenkins, Scott Nicholls, Henry Atkins, Luke Killeen.
Poole Pirates: Steve Worrall, Anders Rowe, Ben Cook, Zach Cook, Richard Lawson, Kyle Newman, Adam Roynon.