REPORT: Brave Cheetahs edged out by Glasgow in last heat decider

The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs saw hopes of reaching the Cab Direct Championship Grand Final end on Tuesday night following a four-point aggregate loss to Glasgow Tigers.

Cheetahs entered the meeting knowing they were required to post 41 points to guarantee their spot in the league’s two-legged Grand Final against Poole Pirates, who advanced from Group A.

But Peter Schroeck’s side fell three points short as they lost 52-38 on the night and 92-88 on aggregate.

It concludes a remarkable season for Cheetahs who ended the regular season second in the league table after winning all eight home fixtures and half of their meetings on the road.

Team Manager Schroeck was naturally gutted when a Glasgow 3-3 secured the home side’s spot in the final. But he reflected on the year with great pride and voiced his thanks to the riders, backroom team and supporters.

“It’s a tough result to take and as you’d expect the boys are devastated,” said Schroeck. “But when the dust settles, we can proud of the team’s achievements this season in what is only our second year back.

“We knew Glasgow wouldn’t go down without a fight, and so it proved. They got better as the night went on and we wish them every success in the final.

“I know how desperate the boys were to get back on home shale on Sunday, but it wasn’t to be and as a club we’ll pick ourselves up from this before starting planning for 2024. A big thank you to riders, everyone at the club behind the scenes who commit themselves to our operation and, of course, the supporters.

“They’ve been first class this season and sit at the heart of our success story. We couldn’t do what we do without them, and we’re forever thankful.”

Oxford Speedway’s 2023 campaign concludes later this month with the National League Grand Final between the World Speedway Riders’ Association Oxford Chargers and Leicester Lion Cubs.

Fixture dates will be announced soon.

Glasgow Tigers: Chris Harris 10+2, Tom Brennan 11+1, Benjamin Basso 13+1, Claus Vissing R/R, Vadim Tarasenko 8, Lee Complin 9+4, Ace Pijper 1.

Monarch Cheetahs: Sam Masters 8+1, Jordan Jenkins R/R, Cameron Heeps 5, Lewis Kerr 6+1, Scott Nicholls 12+1, Henry Atkins 4, Ashton Boughen 2+1.

Photo: Taylor Lanning.