PREVIEW: Cheetahs in good spirits ahead of tricky Scunthorpe trip

Table-topping Monarch Oxford Cheetahs face one of their stiffest Cab Direct Championship tests to date on Friday when travelling north to race Scunthorpe Scorpions.

Scorpions sit fourth in the nine-team division and are unbeaten at home in the league this year having recorded 20-point and 25-point triumphs over Redcar and Plymouth respectively.

Cheetahs enter the meeting in good form too. Peter Schroeck’s side are unbeaten in their six league matches and are four points clear at the top of the table from Glasgow and Poole who are tied in second.

Schroeck has made three changes to Cheetahs’ line-up since they were last in action against the Pirates last Wednesday. Jordan Jenkins will replace Cameron Heeps at number two with the Australian moving to reserve with Ryan Kinsley.

The hard-charging Henry Atkins meanwhile is promoted into the main body of the team and will ride alongside Lewis Kerr at number four.

“This is going to be a difficult test for us,” said Schroeck. “The Scunthorpe track is a unique configuration and we’re entering the meeting off the back of an eight-day break when everyone really was flying.

“The Scorpions are dark horses, in my opinion. They pushed Poole hard in Dorset not too long ago and their home record this year has been very good.

“With Cameron (Heeps) dropping down to reserve we’ve made a few tweaks to the line-up which we believe will help get the best out of every rider. Henry (Atkins) stepping into the main body of the team is a great achievement for him and Cameron can be a real weapon for us at reserve.

“Everyone in the camp is upbeat and we’re itching to get going again. Hopefully we can keep the positive run going and build excitement ahead of Berwick’s visit to Oxford next Wednesday.”

Tapes-up at the Eddie Wright Raceway is at 7.30pm. The Monarch Cheetahs return to Oxford Stadium on Wednesday, July 5, when Berwick Bandits visit in the Cab Direct Championship.

Tickets are available to purchase via the club website. Adults are priced £20 and ALL U16s go FREE!

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