PREVIEW: Monarch Cheetahs ready for KO Cup challenge in Edinburgh double-header
Peter Schroeck wants a repeat performance of last week’s convincing 20-point triumph over Swindon Select when Edinburgh visit Oxford Stadium in the Knockout Cup on Wednesday.
The Monarch Cheetahs host John Campbell’s side in the first leg of the competition’s Quarter Final with the return fixture scheduled at Armadale just 48 hours later on Friday, April 28.
The aggregate winner from both fixtures will advance to the Semi Finals, and Schroeck is determined to lay down a marker by making the most of Wednesday’s home leg.
“Last week we witnessed the true potential of this Oxford team,” said Schroeck. “Everyone contributed good points on the night and the atmosphere after Heat 15 was really positive.
“We’ve proven what we’re capable of against a strong Swindon team, now it’s time to apply that into our competitive meetings and look to progress in the KO Cup.
“We were frustrated to miss out on team silverware in our regeneration season, but this week is a good opportunity for us to progress to the Semi Finals and that’s our goal.”
Cheetahs are unchanged from last week’s impressive performance against their Wiltshire rivals, with former Edinburgh racer Sam Masters set to lead the hosts’ attack.
Cameron Heeps, Scott Nicholls, Jordan Jenkins and Lewis Kerr are in the main body of the team, with Henry Atkins and Luke Killeen at reserve.
Edinburgh meanwhile have called on the services of three-times British Champion Chris Harris, who steps in for the injured Josh Pickering. He’ll partner up with former Grand Prix star Craig Cook who is confirmed as Edinburgh’s number five.
“Heat 13 is a cracking race on paper,” said Schroeck. “It’s a great shame for Edinburgh to lose Josh (Pickering) and on behalf of everyone at the club we wish him a speedy recovery.
“But they’ve booked a very capable guest in Chris Harris who needs no introduction to the Oxford shale and we’ll need to be on our a-game whenever he takes to the track.
“We’ve got to make Oxford Stadium our fortress, and the Knockout Cup is no exception to that. Wednesday is a great opportunity to build a solid lead which we can defend 48 hours later north of the boarder.”
Tickets for the Monarch Cheetahs’ Knockout Cup Quarter Final first leg tie against Edinburgh on Wednesday, April 26, are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here.
Adults are priced £20 (£22 on the day) and ALL U16s go free. Doors open at 6pm and tapes-up is at 7.30pm.
Monarch Cheetahs: Sam Masters, Cameron Heeps, Scott Nicholls, Jordan Jenkins, Lewis Kerr, Henry Atkins, Luke Killeen.
Edinburgh: Chris Harris (G), Lasse Fredriksen, Kye Thomson, Paco Castagna, Craig Cook, Kyle Bickley, Jacob Hook.
Photo: Mark Lee-Sing.