PREVIEW: Monarch Cheetahs prepare for win or bust Championship tie
Peter Schroeck wants Oxford Cheetahs to repeat last week’s performance against Plymouth when hosting Berwick Bandits in a win or bust Championship tie on Wednesday (7.30pm).
The Monarch Cheetahs must defeat the Bandits at Oxford Stadium if they are to keep hopes of reaching the end-of-season play-offs alive.
Club coach Schroeck was encouraged by what he saw during last week’s 50-40 victory over play-off hopefuls Plymouth.
Returning club captain Scott Nicholls plus Australian trio Aaron Summers, Troy Batchelor and Cameron Heeps all registered impressive paid double figure points hauls while Dillon Ruml weighed in with 8+1.
Schroeck believes a repeat of last week’s performances can see the Monarch Cheetahs hold onto the squad’s collective ambition to pinch a last-gasp play-off spot.
“We’re the underdogs here, we appreciate that,” said Schroeck. “But while the play-offs remain a mathematical possibility we will continue to race for every point.
“Dropping points at home is no longer an option, so it’s essential we deliver a performance equivalent to or better than what we achieved against Plymouth last week.
“The racing through our regeneration campaign has been extraordinary, with riders pulling off some truly breath-taking moves week in, week out. It’s a fair racing track, and that’s possibly hurt us at times.
“But seeing five of our riders register paid-nine points hauls last week was great to see, especially Cameron (Heeps) who looked to be the fastest I’ve seen him so far this season.”
Berwick visit Oxford Stadium for the first time in the venue’s new era led by three-times British Champion Chris Harris.
The Bandits have experienced a challenging season on the road, but Schroeck has warned his riders against any complacency ahead of tapes-up.
“Berwick’s away record means very little to us,” said Schroeck. “We know how strong Chris Harris is around here – his performances when guesting for us this season speak for themselves.
“They have a good blend of youth and experience in the middle order too, which has the potential to be dangerous if everyone hits form.
“We’re blessed to have such a strong backing from the terraces each week, hopefully our fans can help make to make a difference once again.”
Tickets for the Monarch Cheetahs’ Championship tie against Berwick Bandits are on sale now and can be purchased right up until tapes-up by clicking here. Supporters are reminded that all children U16 can watch for free in the company of a paying adult.