BSN SERIES: Schroeck targets Cheetahs response when Pirates visit OX4

The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs return to Oxford Stadium on Wednesday evening when hosting defending BSN Series champions Poole Pirates in the competition’s Southern Group.

The fixture will mark Cheetahs’ first home meeting of the club’s third campaign of its new era – and Team Manager Peter Schroeck is eyeing a response following a Good Friday reverse in Dorset.

Cheetahs are unchanged with Sam Masters leading Oxford’s charge with fans’ favourite Scott Nicholls confirmed to ride in the middle order. Henry Atkins, Cameron Heeps and Jordan Jenkins are confirmed in the middle order with teenagers Ashton Boughen and Luke Killeen at reserve.

Schroeck expects a strong challenge from Pirates when tapes rise, but he’s backed his side to return to form and get their first points on the board.

“Friday is behind us now,” said Schroeck. “We’ve moved on, and our focus is on a big first home meeting of the season for the Cheetahs.

“All the boys built a really strong rapport with our supporters, so starting the season with seven riders who have all previously represented Cheetahs is a real plus for us.

“We hope to use that track knowledge to our advantage against a Poole side which will be brimming with confidence and determined to complete the double.

“We’ve some superb match ups with Poole since the beginning of our regeneration campaign. It’s a great rivalry to have and we’re looking forward to seeing the terraces busy again for what is a must-win meeting if we want to retain hopes of qualifying for the (BSN Series) semi finals.”

Tickets for the Monarch Cheetahs’ BSN Series fixture against Poole Pirates are on sale and available to purchase via the club website. All U16s go free, tapes-up is at 7.30pm.

Monarch Cheetahs: Sam Masters, Henry Atkins, Cameron Heeps, Jordan Jenkins, Scott Nicholls, Ashton Boughen, Luke Killeen.

Poole Pirates: Richard Lawson, Tobias Thomson, Tom Brennan, Zach Cook, Ben Cook, Sam Hagon, Max Perry.