Oxford Cheetahs were out of luck as they went down to a 46-42 defeat in their Sky Sport Elite League opener against Peterborough Panthers at Oxford Stadium on Friday.

There was drama in heat nine when Cheetahs' Ales Dryml crashed out at the pits bend just as he did when he almost lost his life in July.

Thankfully, although slightly dazed, he was none the worse for his mishap.Cheetahs put on great show following last week's display Oxford: Eriksson 11+2, Protasiewicz 11, Jensen 9+1, Johnston 7, Miedzinski 2+1, A Dryml 2, Andersson 1 43 pts.

Peterborough: Andersen 14, Swiderski 11, Bjerre 9, L Dryml 4, Iversen 3, Hall 3, King 2 46 pts.

Oxford Cheetahs have shown the door to young polish rider Adrian Miedzinski after just two meetings to be replaced by former England international Andy Smith.