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.