POOLE boss Danny Ford is expecting a “true battle” against fellow big-hitters Oxford.
The Pirates and the Cheetahs prepare for a huge Cab Direct Championship clash at Wimborne Road tonight.
The home side are favourites to take top spot heading into the play-offs, and another win at Wimborne Road tonight would mean the Cheetahs could only match their points total if they won all of their final four meetings with Poole also losing their last two.
The rivals drew 45-45 in a thriller at Cowley earlier in the season, with Oxford taking the extra point by winning a Super Heat.
Both sides have a guest at reserve with Jacob Hook filling in for the Pirates in place of the injured Vinnie Foord.
Promoter Dan Ford said: “Facing Oxford, in what is for us a local derby, is always special, but this one’s set to be a true battle.
“Oxford are one of the strongest teams in the league, and with both of us still chasing that top spot, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
“It’s one of the biggest fixtures of our season and with our unbeaten home record on the line, the atmosphere at Wimborne Road is going to be electric – especially with it being the summer holiday and kids under 11 going free.”
Meanwhile the Cheetahs, who lost 61-29 in Dorset in the BSN Series early in the season, have Paul Starke coming in to replace Adam Roynon.
Manager Peter Schroeck said: “We took a lot of fans down to Poole on Good Friday and we didn’t give them much to cheer about. Cheetahs hadn’t got going at that stage, whereas since then we’ve proven that we’ve again got a good side this season.
“To me, what’s important is to remind everyone – ourselves, the Poole riders, both sets of supporters – that we can push Poole hard and give them a run for their money and also to give our fans something to shout about.
“It will make Pirates think twice should we meet them again at the conclusion of the season, either in the Cab Direct KO Cup Final or in the Grand Final.”
POOLE: Richard Lawson, Sam Hagon, Ben Cook, Zach Cook, Tom Brennan, Tobias Thomsen, Jacob Hook.
OXFORD: Sam Masters, Cameron Heeps, Ashton Boughen, Jordan Jenkins, Scott Nicholls, Luke Killeen, Paul Starke.
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.