Saturday, May 4, 2024
OXFORD SPEEDWAY
Cheetahs

REPORT: Last heat maximum seals dramatic win in Devon to keep BSN Series qualification hopes alive

SRFortitude

The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs’ hopes of qualifying from the BSN Series Southern Group remain alive after a dramatic last race maximum secured two crucial points on the road against Plymouth Gladiators.

Cheetahs entered their third Southern Group tie knowing only a win would keep Peter Schroeck’s side in the all-new competition which is broken down into three regionalised groups before a four-team play-off structure decides the overall champions.

They made a good start to lead 16-20 after six races with Henry Atkins, Scott Nicholls, Sam Masters and Lewis Kerr among the heat winners. Plymouth responded and by heat 10 led 31-29 as Cheetahs ran four consecutive last places.

Sam Masters pulled off a crucial pass on Richie Worrall in heat 11 to keep Cheetahs within two points of their rivals before the visitors rediscovered form they had displayed earlier in the meeting. Scott Nicholls teamed up with Henry Atkins in heat 12 to bring the scores level once more, before Cheetahs’ advantage was restored in the penultimate ride when Jordan Jenkins – who until this point was yet to score – took a surprise win.

Powerhouse duo Sam Masters and Scott Nicholls then combined to bring home a last race maximum and register a 42-48 win.

Team Manager Peter Schroeck said: “This was the performance we knew we had in us, and I’m so proud of the boys for getting this result in the bag.

“It’s been such a frustrating start to the year with rain offs and our defeats to Poole. But we dug deep tonight and showed real character which is exactly what we asked for. We’re right back in the hunt for qualification now, but we’ll have to make our home leg count when the rescheduled date is confirmed and put some big points on the board.

“I was especially pleased for Jordan (Jenkins) at the end. He’d had a tough night until then, but his win in heat 14 was essential. Roll on tomorrow against Swindon, we’re looking forward to riding in front of a big home crowd.”

The Monarch Cheetahs return to action on Wednesday, April 19, night at Oxford Stadium when hosting Swindon Robins Select in a challenge fixture. Tickets remain on sale via our ticketing page online.