Friday, December 20, 2024
OXFORD SPEEDWAY
Oxford Speedway

PREVIEW: Monarch Cheetahs head to Edinburgh in good spirits

SRFortitude

Peter Schroeck reported a positive atmosphere in the Monarch Oxford Cheetahs camp ahead of Friday’s Knockout Cup second leg trip north of the boarder to take on Edinburgh.

The Cheetahs raced to a convincing 54-36 victory over Edinburgh at Oxford Stadium on Wednesday evening in the home fixture of the club’s two-legged tie with their Scottish rivals.

Sam Masters led the way with a full 15-point maximum while Cameron Heeps, Scott Nicholls and Jordan Jenkins all posted double-figure points hauls.

Cheetahs are now tasked to defend their 18-point lead at Armadale on Friday night. Doing so would see them advance to the KO Cup Semi-Finals, and Schroeck has every faith in his side to get the job done.

“We entered Wednesday’s first leg on a real high given the previous week’s performance against Swindon Select,” said Schroeck. “You could feel the positive atmosphere in the pits, and there is a real urge amongst the boys to help each other out.

“Now we need to see the same commitment on the road so we can book our place in the semi-finals. Edinburgh is a specialist track but we have riders in our team who enjoy racing at Armadale.

“Sam (Masters) speaks for himself and perhaps has more knowledge of the track than any other rider in the country. It’ll be a challenge for Luke (Killeen) and Henry (Atkins) at reserve but in the last week they’ve really stepped up to the task and we’re thrilled with their progress.

“We want silverware this season, and making such a positive start to the KO Cup has really fuelled the fire within to achieve our on-track ambitions this season.”

Tapes-up at Armadale on Friday evening is at 7.30pm.

The Monarch Cheetahs return to Oxford Stadium on Wednesday, May 3, when hosting Redcar Bears in their first CAB Direct Championship fixture. Tickets are on sale now by clicking here – all U16s go FREE!

Monarch Cheetahs: Sam Masters, Cameron Heeps, Justin Sedgman, Jordan Jenkins, Scott Nicholls, Henry Atkins, Luke Killeen.

Edinburgh: Richie Worrall (G), Lasse Fredriksen, Kye Thomson, Paco Castagna, Craig Cook, Kyle Bickley, Jacob Hook.