21-05-2025
New averages mean changed line-up for Spires
OXFORD Spires will boast a changed line-up tomorrow, with new averages coming into force, when they take on the Sheffield Tigers, tapes up at 7:30pm, writes Leon Foster-Hill.
Craig Cook will ride at number two, partnering Maciej Janowski, whilst Peter Kildemand moves to the reserve position.
Kildemand put in his best performance of the season against Belle Vue last week and could be a real trump card in the reserve berth where he can replace any rider.
Mr Consistent, Charles Wright, moves to the tough number five berth with Erik Riss partnering Rohan Tungate at three and four.
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The Spires will need to be at their absolute best with the Sheffield Tigers putting in some impressive performances this year and being the first team to defeat Ipswich Witches this season, last Thursday at Owlerton.
Jack Holder is in a rich vein of form having just won the Polish Grand Prix and the team also boasts previous Cheetah and Spire Lewis Kerr.
Oxford remain in fifth place, one point ahead of King's Lynn Stars, so a win is vital to keep their push for the play-offs on course.
Oxford Spires: Maciej Janowski, Craig Cook, Erik Riss, Rohan Tungate, Charles Wright, Peter Kildemand, Luke Killeen.
Sheffield Tigers: Jack Holder, Anders Rowe, Josh Pickering, Justin Sedgmen, Chris Holder, Lewis Kerr, Leon Flint.
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The Oxford Cheetahs look to make their second semi-final of the year when they travel to Scunthorpe on Friday night in the second leg of the Knockout Cup.
Oxford have a healthy 20-point advantage from their home leg and the Scorpions have only managed one win so far this season, making the Cheetahs favourite to progress.
They go into the meeting with a slightly new look as Dan Gilkes has been sidelined with a nasty knee injury, which has allowed the Oxford management to give Latvian Francis Gusts another outing, albeit in the Championship rather than the Premiership.
Oxford team manager Peter Schroeck said: 'We are gutted for Dan and our fans who took him to their hearts with his 100 per cent commitment on track and we wish him a speedy recovery. This does give Francis a further opportunity to establish himself in British Speedway.'
Gusts will ride at number four, partnering Cameron Heeps, whilst Jordan Jenkins will take the number five position.
The Oxford Chargers have their second home meeting on Sunday when they face the Edinburgh Academy, tapes up at 3pm. Edinburgh top the National League with two wins out of two.
Oxford Chargers: Jody Scott, Jacob Clouting, Arran Butcher, Ashton Vale, Darryl Ritchings, Max Broadhurst, Senna Summers.
Edinburgh Academy: Connor Coles, Kyran Lyden, Matt Marson, Sam McGurk, Dayle Wood, Mark Parker, Lee Harrison.
