The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs secured their first Cab Direct Championship Play-Off points on Wednesday night when beating Glasgow Tigers 50-40 at Oxford Stadium.
Cheetahs were racing the first of four Group B Play-Off fixtures where they have been placed against Tigers and Redcar Bears. All teams will race each other once at home and once on the road to decide who advances to the league’s two-legged Grand Final against the winners of Group A.
Peter Schroeck’s side were made to work hard for their points. After Heat 11, only two points separated both teams with the scores at 34-32.
But Cheetahs dug deep to register three race advantages in the final four heats, including a sensational maximum in Heat 13 courtesy of top pair Sam Masters and Scott Nicholls who ended the night with 12+1 and 10+1 respectively.
Cameron Heeps, Lewis Kerr, Jordan Jenkins and Ashton Boughen also picked up race wins on the night while Henry Atkins contributed a crucial 3+1 from his four rides.
Team Manager Schroeck said after the meeting: “We had to dig deep against a good team tonight and we’re pleased with the end result.
“After Heat 11 we banged our heads together and regrouped after a couple of frustrating results and I couldn’t have asked for a better response. The supporters played a crucial role too – we could hear them in the pits all night and hand on heart it absolutely contributed to our final score.
“It will be a tough return fixture but we’ve built a lead we are more than capable of defending which is what matters. Before that we have to refocus our attention to two big meetings against Redcar where we hope to do the job required of us.”
Cheetahs Play-Off campaign resumes on Wednesday, September 20, when Redcar Bears visit Oxford Stadium. Tickets for that fixture will be on sale shortly.
Monarch Cheetahs 50: Sam Masters 12+1, Cameron Heeps 6+1, Lewis Kerr 9, Jordan Jenkins 6, Scott Nicholls 10+1, Ashton Boughen 4+1, Henry Atkins 3+1.
Glasgow Tigers 40: Chris Harris 14, Claus Vissing R/R, Benjamin Basso 10, Tom Brennan 3, Vadim Tarasenko 9, Lee Complin 3, Jack Smith 1+1.
