REPORT: Cheetahs back on top of the Championship after beating Plymouth

The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs returned to the top of the Cab Direct Championship on Friday night when beating Plymouth Gladiators 59-31 at a busy Oxford Stadium.

Cheetahs were required were beat their Devon rivals to go top with two regular season fixtures left before the start of the play-offs after Poole’s visit to Edinburgh was called off due to rain.

Peter Schroeck’s men made no mistake and never trailed Plymouth after making a lightning start which saw Cheetahs lead 19-11 after five races courtesy of wins from Sam Masters, debutant Ashton Boughen and Lewis Kerr.

Only three heats were shared thereafter as Cheetahs ended the night having recorded five maximum 5-1s and as many 4-2s.

A delighted Peter Schroeck stressed the importance of tonight’s result in Cheetahs’ quest to end the regular season at the top of the table after the meeting closed.

“We’re really pleased with that one,” said Schroeck. “Plymouth travelled without their usual team in place, but the boys kept it professional and got the job done that was required.

“When everyone scores at least seven points, you’ve got to be happy. It was another fine team performance and if we keep that form up we’ll be in a good place heading into the play-offs.

“The supporters were incredible tonight too. We say it every week, but we really couldn’t do it without the fans.

“They turn up week in, week out, and it makes the world of difference to the boys in the pits. They feed off the atmosphere and it shows in our results without doubt.”

Speedway returns to Oxford Stadium on Friday, September 1, for the Championship Pairs. Tickets are on sale via the club website. Tapes-up is at 7.30pm.

Tomorrow, August 26, the World Speedway Riders’ Association Oxford Chargers powered by SD Timmo visit Leicester Lion Cubs in the National League. Tapes-up is at 8.15pm, although that is subject to change at the meeting follows Leicester Lions’ Premiership fixture against Sheffield.

Monarch Cheetahs: Sam Masters 12, Henry Atkins 7+1, Lewis Kerr 9, Jordan Jenkins 8+2, Scott Nicholls 8+1, Cameron Heeps 8+2, Ashton Boughen 7+1.

Plymouth Gladiators: Kyle Howarth 10, Max Perry 0, Ben Barker R/R, Jason Edwards 6+2, Richie Worrall 9, James Pearson 5, Ben Trigger 1.