OXFORD boss Peter Schroeck has vowed the club “can’t afford to dwell” on their Championship Grand Final defeat.
The Monarch Cheetahs go back into battle with Poole in the Cab Direct KO Cup final at Cowley tonight (Thursday), live on BSN.
It now becomes the first leg after the original opener at Wimborne Road was rained-off.
Schroeck said: “We can’t afford to dwell on the events of the Grand Final at Poole last week. It’s time to move on, because there’s still a competition that we can win this season – the Cab Direct Knockout Cup.
“We have been one of the best two teams in the Cab Direct Championship, and we firmly believe that we deserve something out of this season. The Cup is the chance to do that and finish our season on a high.
“Of course, it’s not going to be easy. On paper, Poole could be seen as favourites. But many people had the Cheetahs down as favourites to win the league, after we won the first leg by 12 points. Speedway isn’t raced on paper and anything can happen – and we have the riders to do the job.
“We can again expect a night of some thrilling speedway at Oxford in front of a bumper and passionate crowd.
“The Oxford fans are a tremendous set of supporters, as they showed by their support for the GoFundMe page for Luke and Jody after the Supporters’ Club set that up.
“That’s already reached a fantastic amount and it will make such a big difference to two young riders who otherwise would have ended their season with a financial strain over their heads. We’d love to win the Cup so that our brilliant fans have something to celebrate.”
Oxford have been forced into three team changes. Luke Killeen is ruled out for 12 days under the concussion protocols, while Jody Scott is also feeling the effects of the crash at Poole last week.
Cheetahs track four of their own riders and three guests at Cowley. Dan Gilkes will continue to cover for Jordan Jenkins, while Jack Smith will replace Killeen. With Scott unavailable, Connor Coles will guest for Adam Roynon (long-term shoulder injury).
On the other hand, Poole Pirates are at full strength. Pirates are seeking to complete the treble, having already won the Cab Direct Championship and the BSN Series.
Line-ups:
Oxford: Sam Masters, Ashton Boughen, Cameron Heeps, Dan Gilkes (G), Scott Nicholls, Jack Smith (G), Connor Coles (G).
Poole: Richard Lawson, Sam Hagon, Ben Cook, Zach Cook, Tom Brennan, Tobias Thomsen, Vinnie Foord.
Stream live here.
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.