The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs left it until the concluding race to confirm victory over Glasgow Tigers in a thrilling Cab Direct Championship tie at Oxford Stadium on Wednesday.
Both teams entered the meeting unbeaten from their respective league fixtures, and any result was still a possibility following a tense Heat 13.
An exclusion to Claus Vissing in Heat 14 followed by a maximum for Jordan Jenkins and Cameron Heeps secured all two league points available for the Cheetahs, who stretched their lead at the top of the table to eight points.
There was earlier drama, though, with guest Rory Schlein and Jenkins plus Tigers’ Chris Harris involved in a horrific crash in Heat 5 which damaged several air fence panels and the supporting unit.
Remarkably, all three riders walked away from the incident although Schlein chose to withdraw from the meeting.
Sam Masters dropped only one point on his way to 14 points while Cameron Heeps starred at reserve with 11+2. Scott Nicholls also weighed in with a double figure haul (10+1) while there were heat wins for Jordan Jenkins (7+1) and Henry Atkins (5).
Ryan Kinsley scored two vital points at reserve too.
Team Manager Peter Schroeck was relived to end the meeting relatively unscathed and described Cheetahs’ performance as their most impressive this season.
“Firstly, we’re relieved Jordan, Rory and Chris walked away from the crash,” said Schroeck. “It was horrific and the atmosphere in the stadium was just sapped away while the medics did their job.
“Huge credit must go to our track staff who did an outstanding job getting the meeting back on in such short time given the scale of the damage that was done. After the incident, the racing was outstanding and it was a real close meeting between two great teams.
“It was a great advert for speedway first and foremost and on the terraces there was a real carnival atmosphere which was great to see and exactly what we aspire to deliver every week.
“Everyone contributed to our points total and the atmosphere in the camp just keeps building. We’re relieved to end the night in one piece, now we’ve got to keep the positive momentum running.”
Speedway returns to Oxford Stadium on Wednesday, July 26, when the WRSA Chargers powered by SD Timmo host Kent Royals in the National League. Tapes-up is at 7.30pm.
Cheetahs return to track a week later, August 2, when hosting Scunthorpe Scorpions.
RESULTS:
Wednesday, July 19: Monarch Cheetahs 52-38 Glasgow Tigers – Cab Direct Championship.
FIXTURES:
Wednesday, July 26: National League – WSRA Chargers vs Kent Royals @ Oxford Stadium, 7.30pm.
Friday, July 28: Cab Direct Championship – Redcar Bears vs Monarch Cheetahs @ ECCO Arena, 7.30pm.
