PREVIEW: Oxford Chargers commence title defence at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium
DEFENDING champions Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers are involved in their opening WSRA National League match of the season, when they host Middlesbrough Tigers at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium on Sunday (April 26) afternoon at 3pm.
Chargers retain five rides from the side who won the championship last season – skipper Jody Scott, Darryl Ritchings, Senna Summers, Ashton Vale and Max Broadhurst.
16-year-old Harry Fletcher is a new signing, although he guested for Chargers in the final two matches of last season at Edinburgh and Middlesbrough, while Mason Watson also makes the move from Belle Vue to Oxford.
Chargers also started last season at home to Middlesbrough, registering a 48-42 victory, while they clinched the WSRA National League title with a huge 60-30 away win at Middlesbrough last September.
Oxford manager Peter Schroeck said: “It’s always a huge pleasure to work alongside the young riders of the Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers. There’s some really good banter across the team and it’s good most of them are back from last season.
“The Chargers have had a lot of success over the last few years, winning a couple of WSRA National League titles. But for me, progression is always the key with this side. Jody and Darryl are already riding in the Cab Direct Championship, while Senna and Ashton are in the next in the pipeline and looking for a big year.
“For Mason, it’s going to be a home from home, because he’s from Berwick and therefore he knows Jamie (Courtney, Oxford promoter) very well. There’s no pressure on any of the lads, but that’s doubly so with Harry and Max at reserve – we’ll do everything we can to help them and perform to the best of their ability.
“Middlesbrough have a strong line-up this season and will give us a good test in our opening meeting. The weather is set fair and it’s going to be a terrific Sunday afternoon of action and ideal for families to attend.”
Tickets are already on sale at 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.
Ultimate Season Passes ARE valid for this meeting.
Please note, as with Chargers’ meetings last season, the Unipart car park is NOT 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: Jody Scott (C), Mason Watson, Senna Summers, Ashton Vale, Darryl Ritchings, Harry Fletcher, Max Broadhurst. Team manager: Peter Schroeck.
Middlesbrough Tigers: Ace Pijper (C), Kai Ward, Stene Pijper, Jade Mudgway, Nathan Ablitt, Harry Sadler, Charlie Southwick. Team manager: Brian Turner.
PHOTO by Steve Edmunds