REPORT: Chargers secure come-from-behind win over determined Colts
The World Speedway Riders’ Association Oxford Chargers powered by SD Timmo recorded a come-from-behind victory over Belle Vue Colts in an incident packed National League fixture at Oxford Stadium on Wednesday.
Missing star reserve Luke Killeen through injury, Chargers trailed by three points at the conclusion of the first block of races after an unfortunate 0-5 in favour of Colts in heat two coupled with a 2-4 two races later.
Back-to-back 5-1s for Chargers – with heat wins for Jody Scott and Jordan Jenkins – in heats five and six put the hosts ahead 20-15 before ex-Charger Sam Hagon won heat seven for the visitors after rounding Ryan Kinsley.
A 4-2 in heat nine courtesy of Atkins and Scott quickly restored Chargers’ five-point lead before three shared races. Jenkins and Kinsley teamed up for a match-winning 5-1 in heat 13 which Colts responded to with a maximum of their own a race later.
Maximum men Jenkins and Atkins then rounded off the evening with Chargers’ fourth maximum of the night.
Team Manager Peter Schroeck said: “This was a much-deserved victory for the team and everyone showed great resilience to come from behind after an early blip.
“Jordan (Jenkins) and Henry (Atkins) were outstanding and we can ask no more from them. They’re really thriving on home shale, and that’s testament to the pathway they have here by doubling up with the Cheetahs.
“A few of the boys were frustrated to run some last places, but we’ve got to look at the team performance and ensure everyone supports one another so we can get over the line. We did just that tonight and the atmosphere in the camp is something we can definitely use to our advantage.”
Speedway returns to Oxford Stadium next TUESDAY night when the Monarch Cheetahs host Poole Pirates in the KO Cup Semi Final 1st leg. Tapes-up is at 7.30pm and tickets will be on sale shortly.
WSRA Chargers: Jordan Jenkins 15, Jacob Clouting 4+2, Henry Atkins 13+2, Jody Scott 6, Ryan Kinsley 9+1, Sam Woods 2, Jacob Fellows 0.
Belle Vue Colts: Jack Smith 4, Luke Muff 5+1, Sam Hagon 8+1, Matt Marson 5+1, James Pearson 8, Paul Bowen 3+2, Freddy Holder 7.