PREVIEW: Chargers aim to make it four out of four against Colts

DEFENDING champions Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers powered by SD Timmo Car Sales are seeking to maintain their 100% record in the 2024 WSRA National League, when they entertain Belle Vue Colts at Oxford Stadium on Sunday afternoon (3pm).

Despite losing big hitters Jordan Jenkins, Henry Atkins and Ryan Kinsley from their 2023 championship-winning line-up, Chargers have started their season with double victory over Edinburgh and also a home win over Middlesbrough. 

Luke Killeen, Jody Scott and Jason Garrad has stepped up to lead the challenge for Chargers, while 15-year-old Ashton Vale has been in great form at reserve.

With Alex Spooner continuing to be ruled out by injuries that he sustained last year, Max Broadhurst will be given an opportunity in the No 2 position on Sunday, after impressing in an after-meeting practice session last week.

2022 Oxford Charger Sam Hagon rides at No 1 for Belle Vue. He recently won the British Under-21 Championship at Glasgow and has been knocking up the points for Poole in the Cab Direct Championship.

Chargers’ skipper Luke Killeen said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve won our opening three meetings of the season and we want to keep the momentum going and beat Belle Vue.

“People can point out that we’ve won all three of our meetings and that Belle Vue have lost all three of theirs, but there’s no way that we will under-estimate them. The moment you do that you put yourself on the backfoot. Belle Vue don’t look like a poor team and we will treat them with respect.

“They do have a very good No 1 in Sam Hagon and there’s no doubt he’s one of the best riders in the WSRA National League this season. It’s good to have a rider who presents a challenge, but I have beat him before and I believe that I can do that again.”

Tickets are already on sale on the Oxford Speedway website at https://oxfordspeedway.club/tickets/

Admission is available at the early bird price of just £12 for all adults, which increases to £14 on Race Day. All under-16s go free. A reminder that Oxford Speedway is online ticket sales only – tickets remain on sale on the website until the start-time of the meeting.

The same programme will be used as for the Oxford Spires vs Ipswich Witches clash on Thursday and supporters are reminded to bring this back with them and save themselves £3. Fresh programmes will still be on sale on the afternoon.

It is Father’s Day on Sunday, and bookings are being taken for restaurant, where you can treat your dad to a delicious Sunday Roast at Oxford Stadium, while watching live speedway. Email [email protected] to book.

Teams:

Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers powered by SD Timmo Car Sales: Luke Killeen (C), Max Broadhurst, Jason Garrad, Jacob Clouting, Jody Scott, Ashton Vale, Senna Summers.

Belle Vue Colts: Sam Hagon, Chad Wirtzfeld, Matt Marson, Mickie Simpson (G), Freddy Hodder (C), Eli Meadows, Jack Shimelt.

PHOTO: Jody Scott and Jason Garrad in action against Middlesbrough’s Ben Trigger (pic: Steve Edmunds)