PREVIEW: WSRA National League leaders Oxford Chargers face test against Belle Vue Colts at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium

LEAGUE leaders Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers powered by AW Mobbs entertain the Belle Vue Colts in the WSRA National League at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium on Sunday afternoon (July 27) at 3pm.

It’s top vs bottom, but nothing can be taken for granted, since Belle Vue are led by 16-year-old sensation William Cairns and have another very capable performer in their skipper Freddy Hodder, who recently scored 8+1 in a guest appearance for Chargers in a home victory over Leicester.

If Chargers win on Sunday, they will pick up three points to extend their lead at the top of the table, since the aggregate bonus point is almost in the bag, after a 58-32 victory at the National Speedway Stadium on June 1, on a day that Cains was injured in Heat 1.

Chargers are missing a couple of riders through injury. Jacob Clouting suffered a scaphoid injury during the Super Heat victory at Leicester and is sidelined. Arran Butcher sustained a hand injury on his debut in the Cab Direct Championship for Plymouth at Edinburgh and is also ruled out.

Chargers have booked Jamie Halder in place of Clouting, while Kai Ward – a popular guest in the past – steps in for Butcher.

Chargers’ team manager Peter Schroeck said: “Of the three Oxford sides, the Chargers are the one which causes the least stress. There’s one or two headaches, caused by the injuries to Jacob and Arran, but it’s a pleasure working with the lads and helping them develop as riders.

“Ignore the league table, Belle Vue Colts have a good side – led by William Cairns and Freddy Hodder – and it will be a great afternoon of speedway on Sunday afternoon at 3pm. Of course, we have two top riders ourselves in Jody Scott and Darryl Ritchings, both of whom have benefitted from riding in the Cab Direct Championship. That’s what the WSRA National League is all about – rider progression.

“Nothing can ever be taken for granted at this level – the racing is exciting and unpredictable, but still very skillful. I urge our supporters to come along and get behind the lads as we look to add another three points to our account and keep up our place at the top of the table.”

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

Admission is available at the early bird price of £13 for all adults, which increases to £15 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. Gates will open at 1pm.

Please note there will be no Unipart car park available for this meeting. On-site parking at the stadium is available for just £2, but it must be purchased at the same time as your online ticket. Any parking passes still apply.

Teams:

Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers powered by AW Mobbs: Jody Scott (C), Senna Summers, Jamie Halder (G), Ashton Vale, Darryl Ritchings, Kai Ward (G), Max Broadhurst.

Belle Vue JR Ashworth & Sons Colts: William Cairns, Jack Shimelt, Jack Kingston, Mason Watson, Freddy Hodder (C), Harry Fletcher, Billy Budd.

PHOTO by Steve Edmunds