OXFORD Cheetahs made a memorable return to action despite a 54-36 defeat on the Isle of White.
A representative team were beaten by Wightlink Warriors in front of a bumper crowd at the Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde last night.
Heat-leaders Danyon Hume, Connor Coles and Nathan Stoneman were involved in spectacular races for Cheetahs, who were followed by a strong Oxford contingent.
Skipper Hume, who top-scored with 11 points, including three race victories, said: “A few of our riders were struggling, but we dug deep and did our best for the club.
“We all wanted to go out there and have a good meeting and enjoy ourselves.
“I live in Buckinghamshire, and Oxford is a club that I would love to ride for, if they ever came back full-time.
"This meeting has shown the level of support is still out there.”
Managed by former world No 2 Gordon Kennett, Cheetahs put in a spirited display, highlighted by Coles's victory in heat 12, which followed a crash just two races earlier.
Oxford found themselves eight points in arrears after four races, but Hume and Stoneman secured a one-two in heat nine, helping them remain in contention, trailing 41-31 at the interval.
But Warriors went on to secure overall victory and the Cliff Peasley Memorial Trophy – named in honour of a Cheetahs fan.
POINTS
Oxford Cheetahs: D Hume 11, C Coles 9+1, N Stoneman 8+1, R Terry-Daley 4+1, S Tedham 2, J Sealey 1, C Brooks 1.
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