OXFORD Chargers finished their National League campaign with a 55-35 win at home to Edinburgh Academy.
Chargers were already guaranteed second place in the table and their place in the grand final against table-topping Leicester Lion Cubs, but were looking to maintain their 100 per cent winning record on home shale this season.
They did exactly that by posting 55 points or more for the fifth time of the campaign.
Five 4-2s in the opening seven races built up a 10-point lead, while the visitors didn’t take a single heat advantage all night.
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Leading Chargers’ scoring was reserve Jacob Clouting, who raced to an outstanding 12+3 haul from seven rides, while Henry Atkins (12), guest Alfie Bowtell (11) and Luke Killeen (9+1) also weighed in with paid double figure returns.
There was a race win too for Ryan Kinsley (7+1) and Jody Scott ended the night with 4+2. Reserve Jason Garrad was forced to withdraw after an unfortunate spill in heat two.
Garrad’s withdrawal meant a busy night for fellow reserve Clouting, who took the opportunity of seven rides with both hands and totted up an impressive 12+3 tally – his best ever score at National League level.
Chargers boss Peter Schroeck said: “It was a professional performance and one we needed to stand us in good stead ahead of the grand final.
“There’s a lot of excitement in the camp, of course. But we’re keeping our heads level and I thought the boys did everything asked of them.
“Now our attention turns to the serious matter of our two-legged grand final. Leicester have been quality all year but I know we have the capability to win over the two legs. It’s a mouth-watering final and one everyone at the club is excited for.”
Atkins added: “We knew it wasn’t a vital fixture, but we still put in a professional performance and got the job done.
“It was important for us to have a good performance, to take some confidence into the final against Leicester. We all rode well and we enjoyed it.
“It was unfortunate that Jason came off in his first heat, but he’s just a bit battered and he’ll be okay for the final. It was good that Jacob did well – he was struggling at Leicester last weekend, so taking seven riders around his home track and scoring a lot of points will be a major boost to him.
“We’re ready for the final against Leicester. When we went there last weekend, we didn’t have much idea of what their track was going to be like and it was a tough night. But now we know what to expect and next time we go there we’ll hit them hard, because we want to win the final.”
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