PREVIEW: Chargers set for bumper Grand Final weekend with Leicester double-header
Peter Schroeck has issued a rallying call to the Oxfordshire public ahead of Saturday’s rescheduled National League Grand Final first leg against Leicester Lion Cubs at Sandy Lane.
The World Speedway Riders’ Association Oxford Chargers powered by SD Timmo host leg one of the prestigious two-legged Grand Final, which is scheduled to conclude at Beaumont Park on Sunday afternoon.
Victory on aggregate would land Oxford Speedway with the club’s first piece of team silverware since it was sensationally reformed in 2021 as part of the regeneration of Oxford Stadium.
The fixture has been a long time coming for Chargers, who qualified for the Grand Final in September. Schroeck is hoping the support of a loyal home crowd can inspire his men to build a strong lead in the club’s home fixture, and has urged supporters to turn out in force.
“This is a huge weekend for us,” said Schroeck. “Everyone at the club is proud of the squad’s achievement in reaching the Grand Final, but we want to go a step further and end the year with silverware in our cabinet.
“Leicester have been fantastic all season and secured all seven aggregate bonus points available to them, so we’re under no illusions how tough both meetings will be.
“But all year we’ve championed how talented our own squad is and personally I see no reason why we can’t overturn the formbook and end the year on a high. There’s very little between both squads and for the neutral it’ll be an amazing spectacle.
“That means having the support on the terraces will be all the more crucial because every point really does matter. Preparation for both sides hasn’t been ideal with the unfavourable weather, but it’s no excuse and we’re looking forward to 30 heats of quality racing.”
Chargers have been boosted by news that skipper Jordan Jenkins has declared himself fit to ride with Schroeck’s men programmed to start the meeting at full strength.
Jenkins will be partnered by Ryan Kinsley in Heat One with Jody Scott, Luke Killeen and Henry Atkins filling the main body of the team. Jacob Clouting and Jason Garrad will race at reserve.
Schroeck added: “It’s great to have Jordan back in the squad. He has come on leaps and bounds this season and has been a key man for not only the Chargers but the Cheetahs too.
“It’s critical we keep last places to a minimum. Supporting each other to achieve that has been our philosophy all year and that approach doesn’t change this week.”
Tickets for the National League Grand Final between Oxford Chargers and Leicester Lion Cubs are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here.
Adults are priced £12 with all U16s entitled to free admission. Tapes-up on Saturday night is at 7.45pm with doors opening at 6.15pm.
WSRA Chargers: Jordan Jenkins, Ryan Kinsley, Jody Scott, Luke Killeen, Henry Atkins, Jacob Clouting, Jason Garrod.
Leicester Lion Cubs: Dan Thompson, Ashton Boughen, Max Perry, Tom Spencer, Ben Morley (G), Vinnie Foord, Max James.