PREVIEW: Cheetahs Head North in Bid for Cup Final Qualification

Following a convincing home win at Sandy Lane last night, the Monarch Oxford Cheetahs head North to Redcar tomorrow (Friday) in the second leg of the Cab Direct Championship Knockout Cup.

Oxford take a ten-point lead, which could have been more had it not been for a nasty looking high speed fall in heat fourteen for Jordan Jenkins. Jenkins was on the track for some time, however, was able to walk away complaining of a wrist problem. Jenkins will visit A&E today after the swelling has reduced for x-rays and a full diagnosis.

Team Manager Peter Schroeck was upset for Jenkins
“Jordan has been working so hard to get things right, it is a little upsetting at the moment”

Looking ahead to the second leg, Pete remains focussed on qualifying for the first of two potential finals
“Last time we had a draw without Ashton, if we are missing Jordan then we can look for a guest or use rider replacement

He is also pleased to be taking a ten-point lead
“better ten points than no points”

Oxford will then travel to Glasgow on Sunday to complete their Championship fixtures and whilst the result is unimportant for the Cheetahs, the Glasgow Tigers could need the win to grab the final play-off spot
“It will be tough but we will be giving it everything” Schroeck concluded.

Before that, four of the Oxford Chargers will be taking part in the NDLRC Stars of Tomorrow at Berwick. Jacob Clouting, Jody Scott, Senna Summers and Ashton Vale will be representing the club.

Update Friday morning 9am: Cameron Heeps crashed post-meeting on Wednesday and aggravated a hand injury and is ruled out for Redcar tonight. Cheetahs will use R/R for Heeps, Jacob Hook is the guest for Jenkins, while Ashton Vale lines up at No 8.

Teams:

Redcar: Charles Wright, Dan Gilkes, Jye Etheridge, Jason Edwards, Danny King, Danny Phillips, Jake Mulford.
Oxford: Sam Masters, Cameron Heeps R/R, Ashton Boughen, Jacob Hook, Scott Nicholls, Luke Killeen, Jody Scott, Ashton Vale (No 8).

Glasgow: Chris Harris, Jack Smith, Jason Edwards, James Pearson, Leon Flint, Matic Ivacic, Freddy Hodder
Oxford: Sam Masters, Cameron Heeps, Ashton Boughen, Jordan Jenkins(tbc), Scott Nicholls, Luke Killeen, Jody Scott