REPORT: Oxford register decisive win over Plymouth
The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs concluded their BSN Series Southern Group campaign after defeating the Plymouth Gladiators in convincing style at Oxford Stadium on Wednesday night.
Although the group match stage of the series had already been decided, Oxford were determined to put on a show in front of the home crowd.
The Cheetahs took control of the meeting from the outset and led 26 – 16 after the first interval. Eight heats later and it was all wrapped up with the Cheetahs securing a brilliant 58 – 32 win over the Gladiators.
The team were led on the night by Sam Masters, Scott Nichols and Lewis Kerr. All three riders weighed in with double figure points and Sam and Scott achieved a maximum and paid maximum respectively.
Ryan Kinsley made his Cheetahs debut on the night just one week after making his Chargers debut at Sandy Lane against Leicester.
Rider of the night went to Cameron Heeps who brought home a strong haul of points for the team and claimed victory in Heat 8.
Heeps said: “Every meeting is one that we want to win so job done there. Overall it was a decent night for me and a good win for the boys.
“I treat every meeting the same, I come out here to win and earn a few points. A win is a win, and I got some good points in the bag for myself.
Looking ahead to the next Cheetahs fixture in Poole, Cameron explained the team is ready to take on the challenge.
“They are a good side and we all know that but we are just as good though I think,” he said. “The team is starting to gel together a bit now and everything is starting to look good.
“I am looking forward to the meeting. It is definitely something we can go through and hopefully get the job done.
“Poole doesn’t build teams not to win silverware and they have won plenty of it. That’s what we are looking to do this year so, hopefully, we can steal one off them.”
Team Manager Peter Shroeck added: “I want to say a big thank you to the fans who come out every week. The whole story of Oxford has been a success and that’s not just down to the riders – it’s down to the fans who support us. Without them we would not be here. Please keep doing what you are doing and keep coming back!”
The Cheetahs return to action in two weeks to take on the Poole Pirates in the Knockout Cup semi-final, with the home leg on TUESDAY, May 30th, followed by the away leg a day later in Dorset. Both legs start at 7.30pm.
Monarch Oxford Cheetahs 58: Sam Masters 12, Cameron Heeps 9+1, Lewis Kerr 11, Jordan Jenkins R/R, Scott Nicholls 11+1, Henry Atkins 9+2, Ryan Kinsley 6+3.
Plymouth Gladiators 32: Kyle Howarth 0, Connor Coles 2, Paul Starke R/R, Ben Barker 15, Richie Worrall 8, Lee Complin 7+1, Ben Trigger 0.