REPORT: Cheetahs start Championship campaign in style home shale

The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs started their Cab Direct Championship campaign in emphatic style on Wednesday night when beating Redcar Bears 52-38 at Oxford Stadium.

Riding without Lewis Kerr, who remains side-lined after picking up concussion a week ago, the Cheetahs were once again led by top pair Sam Masters (10+3) and Scott Nicholls (13).

But there were star performers across Peter Schroeck’s side. Cameron Heeps rounded off his night with back-to-back race wins, Jordan Jenkins returned with a paid double figure haul and guest Leon Flint chipped in with 6.

Rider of the Night went to Devon-based Henry Atkins, though. The British youngster raced to his first victory as a Cheetahs rider in a breath-taking heat 14 which played a major role in Cheetahs winning on the night by 14 points.

Luke Killeen was among the points too – scoring 3+2 from his four rides.

Team Manager Peter Schroeck said: “This was a big win for us. We wanted to start the league on a positive note and the boys did just that.

“Scott and Sam led by example again. But our younger lads have really stepped up to the mark in recent weeks.

“Jordan and Henry’s passion after winning heat 14 was great to see. They’re two young, determined, lads who are so passionate about their racing and for them to team up together and bring home a maximum was the highlight of the night.

“We’ve got a decent lead to defend for the aggregate point when we travel up to Redcar later in the season which will determine the teams that make the play-offs and those that don’t.

“A big thank you to our supporters for turning out in force again. It doesn’t go unnoticed and there’s a real buzz in the Cheetahs camp right now which I’m delighted about.”

The Monarch Cheetahs are back in action on Friday night when racing Glasgow Tigers in the Cab Direct Championship. Tapes-up at the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium is at 7.30pm.

Monarch Cheetahs: Sam Masters 10+3, Cameron Heeps 7, Leon Flint 6, Jordan Jenkins 7+3, Scott Nicholls 13, Henry Atkins 6, Luke Killeen 3+2.

Redcar Bears: Tom Brennan 6, Connor Bailey 0, Charles Wright 9, Danyon Hume 1, Danny King 12, Jason Edwards 9+2, Jake Mulford 1.

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