PREVIEW: “Confidence is high in camp” ahead of Plymouth rematch, says Schroeck

The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs conclude their BSN Series Southern Group campaign on Wednesday at Oxford Stadium when hosting Plymouth Gladiators (7.30pm).

The Cheetahs return to home shale to take on the Plymouth Gladiators in what will be a hotly contested rematch. Last time both sides met, as part of the BSN Series Southern Group campaign, the Cheetahs clinched a 48-42 victory away in Devon.

The fixture wraps up Oxford’s BSN Series campaign after narrowly missing out on the chance to qualify for the next round as best runner-up. 

Team boss Peter Schroeck insists the Cheetahs are determined to come out fighting in front of their home crowd. 

“It’s unfortunate the chance to qualify by finishing as the highest-ranked non-qualifier isn’t there anymore, but we’re racing for pride this evening,” said Schroeck. “We went through a real purple patch of form before our mini-break and the team is determined to keep building on that positive momentum. 

“Confidence is high in the camp and we know Plymouth will be out for revenge after we beat them around their own circuit only a few weeks ago. I’m expecting a tough meeting, but it’s certainly one we should be looking to get points from. 

“The support from the terraces this season so far has been great and long may that continue. It doesn’t go unnoticed and on-track makes a real difference to the guys who are looking forward to getting back down to business.”

With Luke Killeen out with a wrist injury after crashing at Belle Vue while racing for Oxford Chargers on Friday, Cheetahs introduce Ryan Kinsley into their line-up as a replacement.

Schroeck added: “We looked at the alternatives while Luke is out, and it didn’t take long for us to decide that Ryan Kinsley is the best option.

“Last week, Ryan came back after being out of action with a shoulder injury for a year, and he put in three terrific performances for Chargers. He was a Championship rider before his injury and he will be keen to show he deserves a full-time place in this league.

“In the meantime, Luke will be undergoing laser treatment, so that he can return as soon as possible. It’s not as bad as we first feared, but he’s chipped a bone in his wrist. If all goes well with his recovery, it could be just a handful of weeks before he returns to both Cheetahs and Chargers.”

Supporters are reminded tickets for the original staging of this fixture were refunded and are not valid for this week’s meeting. Anyone wishing to be trackside for this fixture is required to purchase a new ticket via www.oxfordspeedway.club/tickets. 

Tapes-up at Oxford Stadium is at 7.30pm, doors open at 6pm. 

Monarch Oxford Cheetahs: Sam Masters, Cameron Heeps, Lewis Kerr, Jordan Jenkins R/R, Scott Nicholls, Henry Atkins, Ryan Kinsley.

Plymouth Gladiators: Kyle Howarth R/R, Connor Coles, Paul Starke, Ben Barker, Richie Worrall, Lee Complin, Ben Trigger.

Wednesday afternoon team update for Plymouth: Kyle Howarth is now fit to ride tonight, while it’s rider replacement for Paul Starke, who was injured last night.