OXFORD Cheetahs scored ten out of ten after the defeat of Glasgow Tigers last Wednesday, however it came at a cost.
It was Heat 5 where disaster struck in one of the nastiest incidents seen at Sandy Lane. Three riders demolished the fence on the old pits turn in a high-speed pile-up which left guest Rory Schlein unable to continue for the rest of the meeting.
There were worrying moments for the home fans as Jordan Jenkins remained on track for a long time, with the ambulance being called to collect him.
As is so often the way with speedway riders, the sight of the blue lights encouraged him to get back on his feet and return to the pits.
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Despite being controversially excluded from the re-run, Jenkins rode the rest of his rides including winning the vital Heat 14 to seal the victory.
Sadly, his bike did not survive, and only the saddle and back wheel have done, making it a very expensive night for the youngster.
He had to pull out of his match for Peterborough on Thursday, however was back in Oxford at the weekend where he represented the club at the BMW Oxford family day on Sunday. Jenkins expects to line up as usual on Wednesday when the Chargers return to centre stage.
The incident also required a 50-minute delay for promoter Jamie Courtney and the track staff to reassemble the fence and replace the many punctured airbags.
This then caused the track to dry out and made dust an issue for the rest of the evening. Jamie is very proud of the Sandy Lane circuit, which receives regular praise from riders home and away, and was so disappointed that he took to the microphone to apologise to the fans. A true example of a promoter who understands, and appreciates, the all-important supporters.
Another 50+ scoreline for the Cheetahs does not really do the visitors justice, a little like previous weeks, as the racing was fierce throughout.
Once again, Scott Nicholls gave a true captain’s performance with another stunning display of team riding in Heat 7. He then followed that up with another run around the outside to go from fourth to second in one turn and finish with a maximum heat win.
Chargers take centre stage
After a break of several weeks, the Chargers return to action when they take on the Kent Kings tomorrow at Sandy Lane.
Kelsey Dugard, who never got to ride at Oxford, has been dropped following an ongoing injury problem and has been replaced by local man Jason Garrad.
Jason, born in Thame, has been a lifelong Oxford fan, and previously rode for Kent.
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