PREVIEW: Chargers look to end unbeaten run of Leicester in potential classic at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium
THE two teams who have dominated the WSRA National League since 2022 meet at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium on Sunday afternoon (August 23) at 3pm, with defending champions Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers facing the Leicester Lion Cubs.
Leicester entered the National League in 2019, and Lion Cubs have won NL titles in 2019, 2022 and 2024. Meanwhile, Chargers were the winners in 2023 – when they defeated Leicester in the play-off final – and 2025.
Lion Cubs have won three out of three meetings this season, but all their matches so far have been at home. Nevertheless, this season’s championship looks set to be decided between Lion Cubs and the similarly unbeaten Edinburgh Monarchs Academy.
Chargers welcome back Senna Summers from a knee injury that ruled him out of their previous four meetings. Meanwhile, Harry Fletcher also hurt his knee in Chargers’ previous meeting at Buxton but he is fit to resume.
Chargers again bring in unattached 15-year-old Emerson Betty for the retired Mason Watson.
Oxford team manager Peter Schroreck says: “It’s good that we’re almost back to a full team, with Harry and Senna both passing fitness tests to ride on Sunday afternoon.
“With Mason Watson having retired, the facility of him has expired, but it allows us to give Emerson Betty – who rode for Chargers at Buxton – another meeting as an unattached rider. He’s young and he’s enthusiastic and looking forward to his first-ever meeting around Oxford.
“We’re so proud of the progress made by various riders while competing for the Chargers. Jody Scott and Darryl Ritchings have already graduated to the higher levels of the sport, and the more riders who follow in their footsteps, the better.
“Leicester have a very strong side, but we have plenty of strength in our team as well. Some of the most exciting meetings involving Chargers have been against the Lion Cubs and I’m sure Sunday’s meeting will be another. All the riders on display will be giving it their all, and we’d love to come out on top.”
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. Ultimate Season Passes ARE valid for this meeting.
Please note, as usual with Chargers, 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. Please allow extra time due to the current roadworks around the area.
On Race Day, there is now also the chance to buy tickets (plus parking) by cash or card at the box office (opening time to be advised).
NOTE FOR THOSE TRAVELLING BY CAR: As in previous weeks, there is likely to be no direct right turn into Sandy Lane from the main road and please adjust your route accordingly – you can still turn left into Sandy Lane.
Teams:
Real Mini Company Oxford Chargers: Jody Scott (C), Senna Summers, Harry Fletcher, Ashton Vale, Darryl Ritchings, Emerson Betty, Max Broadhurst. Team manager: Peter Schroeck.
Leicester Lion Cubs: Ben Morley (C), Tom Spencer, Max Perry R/R, Ryan Ingram, Freddy Hodder, Eli Meadows, Seth Norman. Team manager: Jen Crossland.
PHOTO by Steve Edmunds