PITSTOP: What the Oxford Mail Missed
Cheetahs in with a Roar and out with a Whimper
The Oxford Cheetahs raised the roof at Sandy Lane last Wednesday, with a sensational win against the Glasgow Tigers, sending the Cheetahs through to the Knockout Cup Semi Final.
Glasgow led by twelve, with many thinking that the deficit would be too much to pull back. In the end, the Cheetahs won by eighteen points on the night – winning by six points overall.
Team Manager Pete Schroek was ecstatic
“We can be very proud of the boys, it was not an easy job to pull that back
He was particularly proud of some of the younger members of the side, who showed their true form
“It was quite emotional because Henry & Jordan really clicked, it felt like last year again and it was the first time I had really felt it this year
Sadly, the BSN series continued to be a thorn in the Cheetahs side, and they could definitely consider themselves unlucky to have been beaten at Plymouth with a number of very questionable refereeing decisions on a track which was not at its best!
On two occasions, the Cheetahs pair were on for maximum points when a Plymouth rider fell on their own and was then put back into the rerun.
The Pirates arrive at Sandy Lane tonight (Wednesday) where Oxford suffered a very heavy defeat on Good Friday.
Pete Schroek still sees the match as vital for the season overall
“We need to win, ensure the boys are full of confidence before the League campaign starts”
Cook conjours up a feast!
What a fantastic debut for new Oxford Spires signing Craig Cook, who was only beaten once all night at Sheffield last Thursday, on his way to a sixteen point haul.
Cook became the first rider to beat recent Croatian Grand Prix winner Jack Holder around Owlerton this season – he did that twice in Heat 6 and Heat 15. He also beat former treble World Champion Tai Woffinden in Heat 15 and 2012 World Champion Chris Holder in Heat 9.
Cook was only denied a paid 18-point maximum when Chris Holder overhauled him on the final lap of Heat 12.
“I’m happy to be back in the top-flight and delighted to start with such a great meeting for myself. It was a shame that the team just lost out, but the Sheffield are the champions and their boys are very strong around here.
“Heat 15 was a special way to finish the night, by beating both Tai Woffinden and Jack Holder in the same race, because they were on fire going into that race. I feel quite emotional about it all – I don’t want to bang on about it too much, but life’s been tough and now I’m enjoying my racing again and it means the world to me, because I love this sport. It feels like a weight has dropped off my shoulders tonight.”