OXFORD Cheetahs will welcome a trio of riders back as they look to return to winning ways tonight.

Cheetahs suffered just their first Championship defeat of the season last time out, falling to a 48-42 loss away to Redcar Bears.

However, team manager Peter Schroeck will be able to call upon Lewis Kerr and Luke Killeen after injury, while Scott Nicholls returns from a period of compassionate leave as Cheetahs welcome Scunthorpe Scorpions to Oxford Stadium.

Killeen lines up at reserve in place of Ryan Kinsley.

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Schroeck said: “Having Lewis and Scott back in the squad is a boost, and Luke is raring to go after a period on the sidelines.

“Of course we’re sad to let Ryan go but he has made key contributions to the team this season and remains an important rider within the club as we enter a crucial period in the National League with the Chargers.”

Despite the last heat defeat at Redcar on Friday, the Cheetahs remain seven points clear at the top of the table, while the Scorpions are nine points behind in third.

Schroeck said: “Naturally the boys were gutted the winning run ended at Redcar on Friday. But to me that’s a positive sign – there’s a real drive within the squad to win every meeting we race and that’s a mentality we can use to our advantage.”

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