REPORT: Cheetahs take an 18-point lead from KO Cup first leg

The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs will take an 18-point lead north of the boarder on Friday after defeating Edinburgh 54-36 in convincing style at Oxford Stadium in the Knockout Cup.

Peter Schroeck’s side won 12 of the evening’s 15 heats and were led by new number one Sam Masters who raced to a faultless 15-point maximum.

British talent Jordan Jenkins scooped Rider of the Night for his outstanding 10+1 haul from five rides while there were also heat wins for Cameron Heeps and Scott Nicholls. Reserve pair Henry Atkins and Luke Killeen chipped in with 8+2 between them.

Reacting to the result, Schroeck said: “We’ve built a strong lead, and I’d be disappointed if we don’t hold onto it. Two or three of our riders really enjoy the Edinburgh track, so anything other than winning on aggregate would be disappointing.

“We’re quietly confidence, but we’re taking nothing for granted. Home track knowledge counts for a lot in speedway so as far as we’re concerned the points are reset and we travel looking for the win.”

The meeting didn’t pass without incident, though, as Lewis Kerr was forced to sit out following a horrific crash in heat four.

Kerr hit the back of Craig Cook in the final corner of the fourth race and hit the safety fence at high speed before being flung into the air. He suffered concussion and will consequently be sidelined for the next nine days, meaning he’ll miss Friday’s return leg in Scotland.

“I know Lewis’ history,” said Schroeck. “He’s had some very nasty crashes and this one was especially bad.

“He was a passenger and got flung so high up in the air. It could’ve been much worse. He’s picked up concussion, so he’ll miss Friday (at Edinburgh) and next week at home against Redcar.

“It was just one of those racing incidents.”

The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs return to Oxford Stadium next Wednesday, May 3, when hosting Redcar Bears in their first Cab Direct Championship fixture. Tickets will go on sale soon. ALL U16s accompanied by a paying adult enter for FREE.

Monarch Cheetahs 54: Sam Masters 15, Cameron Heeps 10+1, Scott Nicholls 11+1, Jordan Jenkins 10+1, Lewis Kerr 0, Henry Atkins 3, Luke Killeen 5+2.

Edinburgh Monachs 36: Chris Harris 7+1, Lasse Fredriksen 1+1, Kye Thomson 5, Paco Castagna 4+1, Craig Cook 12, Kyle Bickley 5+2, Jacob Hook 2.