OXFORD Speedway ’s 18-year wait for silverware has ended after Oxford Chargers were crowned National League champions.

The much-delayed fixture – due to poor weather – adopted a winner takes all format against Leicester Lion Cubs.

Cubs’ heat leader Max Perry then fell heavily in a first turn incident, which delayed the meeting significantly while an ambulance was called onto the track to take him to hospital.

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Rain intensified once the ambulance had moved off the track, and a meeting between both teams and referee Simon Humphrey-Kennett concluded conditions were no longer safe.

It marked Oxford Speedway’s first piece of team silverware since the club was reformed last year.

Team manager Peter Schroeck said: “We’re absolutely delighted. I’m so pleased for everyone who supports this special club and those who work hard behind the scenes.

“It’s not the way we wanted to win the championship, and of course our thoughts are with Max Perry who we wish a speedy recovery after his crash. But the boys got stuck in when the going got tough and they deserve this.”