JT/Fox Oxford Cheetahs' hopes of clinching the Sky Sports Elite League speedway title were foiled by old rivals Ipswich in a thrilling encounter last night.

Cheetahs went down 49-41 at Foxhall while closest rivals Poole saw off Peterborough 48-42 to keep their slender hopes alive.

It means that Cheetahs will have to wait until Friday week for another chance to claim the crown when they take on Coventry at Oxford Stadium on October 5.

Cheetahs, who have not won at Foxhall since the late 1980s when Hans Nielsen ruled the roost at Cowley, gave a good account of themselves last night.

There were nine shared heats in a row as the teams slugged it out to arrive at heat 14 level at 39-39.

But then disaster struck.

Skipper Steve Johnston's saddle came loose at the start and he was unable to fix it inside the two-minute time allowance.

Andrew Appleton came in to replace him, but there was more trouble to come as Ales Dryml crashed into the fence.

Despite Appleton's best efforts, the Witches recorded a 5-1, and another victory in the last heat completed a sorry night for Cheetahs.