Saturday, April 27, 2024
OXFORD SPEEDWAY
Oxford Speedway

Spires defeat defending champions Sheffield to make it two from two

SRFortitude

Oxford Spires maintained their perfect start to the new ROWE Motor Oil Premiership season by beating defending champions Sheffield Tigers 47-43 at a packed Oxford Stadium.

Peter Schroeck’s side entered the meeting in good spirits following the previous day’s Premiership Media Day in Manchester and last week’s season opening victory over Birmingham Brummies.

Charles Wright top scored on the night with 11 points from five rides – which included an exclusion in Heat 15.

There were also heat wins on the night for Chris Harris and Lewis Kerr who returned with nine and seven plus one respectively. Maciej Janowski and Nicolai Klindt played team roles, returning with multiple bonus points.

Ashton Boughen ended the night with a point, but was unfortunate not to return with more after his bike lifted off the second turn on lap three during his third ride while on a comfortable 5-1 while Rohan Tungate weighed in with a vital nine points.

Peter Schroeck said: “We knew Sheffield would bring some firepower to the meeting and they did just that.

“They were on it from the start despite not having a practice together – so we had to race hard and respond which is what the boys did.

“We ran three last places all night which ultimately has won us the meeting. It was a real team performance and the boys stuck together which I’m pleased to see – and again the support on the terraces was outstanding which always helps.

“Next week at Sheffield will be a challenge. But we travel up unbeaten with maximum points which is everything we can ask for.”

Speedway returns to Oxford Stadium on Wednesday, April 3, when the Monarch Oxford Cheetahs begin their BSN Series campaign against Poole Pirates. Tapes-up is at 7.30pm.

The Oxford Spires are next in action at Sheffield on Thursday, March 28.

Oxford Spires 47: Maciej Janowski 5+3, Charles Wright 11, Nicolai Klindt 5+2, Chris Harris 9, Rohan Tungate 9, Lewis Kerr 7+1, Ashton Boughen 1.

Sheffield Tigers 43: Jack Holder 9+1, Kyle Howarth 5, Chris Holder 5+1, Josh Pickering 7, Tai Woffinden 12, Jason Edwards 3, Dan Gilkes 2+1.