Spires must be on their a-game for Birmingham Easter Monday test

Oxford Spires’ ROWE Motor Oil Premiership campaign resumes on Easter Monday with a trip to the midlands to face fellow top-flight newbies Birmingham at Perry Barr, 7.30pm.

It’s the second meeting between both sides this season following an entertaining Premiership curtain raiser in OX4 just over a fortnight ago where a shared last heat confirmed an opening night win for Peter Schroeck’s side.

The Spires have since defeated defending Premiership champions Sheffield Tigers 47-43 on home shale, while Birmingham managed a draw against Simon Stead’s squad exactly a week ago.

Despite missing Maciej Janowski due to commitments in Poland, Schroeck is looking forward to getting back out on track after Thursday’s trip to Yorkshire was washed out due to rain.

“Birmingham really battled when they came to Oxford to start the season,” said Schroeck. “They didn’t lie down and roll over, which could’ve happened easily given conditions were far from ideal because of the weather at Sandy Lane.

“That spirit is what you need in a team, so we’ll be on our guard at Perry Barr and expect a tough night of racing.

“It was disappointing not to get our trip to Sheffield on, but the decision was in the best interests of everyone with the forecast being so poor. The boys have been keeping themselves busy with their other racing commitments, so being ready for the challenge isn’t an issue.

“We’ve had some good performances at Perry Barr previously with the Cheetahs so hopefully that can transfer over to the Spires and we can keep our 100% record intact.”

Tapes-up at Perry Barr Stadium on Monday night is at 7.30pm.

Oxford Spires: Maciej Janowski R/R, Charles Wright, Nicolai Klindt, Chris Harris, Rohan Tungate, Lewis Kerr, Ashton Boughen.

Birmingham Brummies: Vaclav Milik, Wiktor Lampart, Zach Cook, Tom Brennan, Steve Worrall, Scott Nicholls, Leon Flint.

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