REPORT: Cheetahs regain top spot after shining performance in Edinburgh

The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs regained the Cab Direct Championship lead on Friday night when beating Edinburgh 37-52 at Armadale Stadium.

Cheetahs never trailed their Scottish rivals on a night where Peter Schroeck’s side picked up their fifth aggregate bonus point out of five to go three points clear at the top of the league from second placed Poole Pirates.

Sam Masters and Lewis Kerr returned with double-figure points hauls while there were race wins for Jordan Jenkins, Scott Nicholls and Cameron Heeps.

Henry Atkins chipped in with an important 2+2 from his final pair of rides while Luke Killeen registered 6+2 at reserve. The complete team performance thrilled Schroeck who sung his riders praises at the falling of the final chequered flag.

“Tonight proved to me how far we have progressed as a team,” said Schroeck. “Edinburgh are no pushovers and beating them on their home track was going to be a challenge.

“To put 50 points on the board with a race still to go was fantastic and again everyone contributed positively to the final score.

“Everyone knows the season is defined by the end-of-season play-offs, so we’ve made it clear amongst the team we’ve got to keep the positive momentum rolling and tonight they did just that.

“It’s another aggregate point in the bag too which is really pleasing. The score, performance and determination among the boys through the night really impressed me – which makes the journey home feel that bit shorter.”

The Monarch Cheetahs return to action on Friday, August 25, when hosting Plymouth in the Cab Direct Championship at Oxford Stadium. Tapes-up is at 7.30pm.

Edinburgh Monarchs: Richie Worrall 12+1, Drew Kemp 4, Kye Thomson 5+1, Benjamin Borke 4+2, Josh Pickering 11, Dayle Wood 0, Max Clegg 1.

Monarch Cheetahs: Sam Masters 11, Henry Atkins 2+2, Lewis Kerr 12, Jordan Jenkins 5, Scott Nicholls 9, Cameron Heeps 7+1, Luke Killeen 6+2.

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