REPORT: Patched up Cheetahs fall just short in Redcar but take the aggregate bonus point

The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs added to their Cab Direct Championship points tally on Friday evening despite slipping to their first league defeat of the season away to Redcar Bears.

Missing skipper Scott Nicholls, who was forced to pull out of the meeting at late notice owing to family commitments, Cheetahs drafted in Danish prospect Benjamin Basso while Kyle Howarth filled in for the injured Lewis Kerr.

Cheetahs took an early lead when Jordan Jenkins and Howarth teamed up for a maximum 5-1 in Heat Three. But that proved to be the only time Peter Schroeck’s side would lead the meeting as Bears pulled the scores back level at 12-12 one race later.

The hosts never pulled completely clear, though. A 5-1 in Heat 12 earned them an eight-point cushion with three heats to go, but even still the meeting outcome was only decided in the final race when home pair Danny King and Charles Wright teamed up for a 4-2 to record a 48-42 victory..

Cheetahs boss Peter Schroeck said: “It’s been some run, one of the best I’ve been involved with in my speedway career for sure.

“But you can’t win them all and the boys showed great fight and character tonight to only go down narrowly and more importantly scoop the aggregate bonus point.

“Redcar worked hard for their victory, and I fully expect to see them in the play-offs at the end of the year. They’re a tough team but for us we move on and look forward to Scunthorpe’s visit to Oxford Stadium on Wednesday.”

The Monarch Cheetahs return to home shale on Wednesday, August 2, when Scunthorpe Scorpions visit in the Cab Direct Championship. Tapes-up is at 7.30pm and tickets are on sale via www.oxfordspeedway.club/tickets.

Adults are priced £20 and U16s go FREE!