PREVIEW: Fourth time lucky for National League Grand Final opening leg!

The World Speedway Riders’ Association Oxford Chargers will attempt to start their National League Grand Final against Leicester Lion Cubs for a fourth time on Saturday night.

Poor weather has postponed the beginning of British Speedway’s third tier premier event on three separate occasions this month.

The two-legged final will now begin at Leicester’s Beaumont Park on Saturday, October 28, evening (6.30pm) with the second leg scheduled for Oxford Stadium 72-hours later on Tuesday, October 31 (7.30pm).

Delays have frustrated Chargers boss Peter Schroeck, but he hasn’t allowed it to affect his one to seven who are on the verge of bringing home Oxford Speedway’s first piece of team silverware since 2005.

Schroeck has been forced into making one change for the opening leg, with Henry Atkins missing owing to family commitments. He will be replaced by three-point unattached rider Kai Ward.

“It feels like we haven’t taken to the track for an age,” said Schroeck. “But the boys have been keeping themselves prepared behind the scenes to avoid slipping into winter hibernation.

“Leicester have experienced the same issues with the weather, so it’s not an excuse for either team.

“It’s a blow to be without Henry (Atkins) who is devastated to miss out, but our mentality doesn’t change even in his absence and we’ve talked to Kai who is up for the challenge.

“Track conditions are unlikely to be normal at Leicester which we must use to our advantage. We’re in the thick of autumn now, and whichever team wants it most will be the ones to triumph – I truly believe that.

“It’s been a memorable campaign on and off track so we’re hoping to go out on a high and end the year with some silverware which is what the supporters deserve.”

Tapes-up at Beaumont Park on Saturday night is at 6.30pm.

Leicester Lion Cubs: Dan Thompson, Ashton Boughen, Max Perry, Tom Spencer, Joe Thompson, Vinnie Foord, Max James.

WSRA Oxford Chargers: Jordan Jenkins, Kai Ward (G), Luke Killeen, Jody Scott, Ryan Kinsley, Jacob Clouting, Jasson Garrad.