OXFORD Cheetahs suffered just their first league defeat of the season but still managed to come away with the aggregate bonus point.
Cheetahs, without skipper Scott Nicholls due to family circumstances, were beaten 48-42 away to Redcar Bears.
Benjamin Basso was drafted in to replace Nicholls, while Kyle Howarth filled in for the injured Lewis Kerr.
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Cheetahs took an early lead when Jordan Jenkins and Howarth teamed up for a maximum 5-1 in Heat 3, but that proved to be the only time Peter Schroeck’s side would lead the meeting.
The hosts never pulled completely clear though, despite a 5-1 in Heat 12 earning them an eight-point cushion with three heats to go.
The meeting was decided in the final race when Danny King and Charles Wright teamed up for a 4-2, yet Cheetahs took the aggregate bonus point by 94-86.
Schroeck said: “It’s been some run, one of the best I’ve been involved with in my speedway career for sure. But you can’t win them all and the boys showed great fight and character to only go down narrowly and more importantly scoop the aggregate bonus point.
“Redcar worked hard for their victory, and I fully expect to see them in the play-offs at the end of the year.”
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