Oxford Spires win as top-flight speedway returns to Oxford

OXS Oxford Spires marked their season opener with a 47-43 Premiership win against Birmingham Brummies.

The contest was still in the balance going into the final race, but the Spires held their own to ensure victory.

The Brummies needed a 5-1 win in the final race to take the opening meeting in the 2024 British Speedway.

Chris Harris raced for Oxford Spires in the season opener (Image: Steve Edmunds)

Scott Nicholls and Steve Worrall had the Birmingham team on course for victory for a lap, but Spires’ captain Chris Harris shook things up when he overtook Worrall.

Despite considering hunting down Nicholls, Harris eventually settled for second place – a move that clinched the win for Oxford.

Worrall attempted to round Harris at the finish, but drifted wide, allowing Oxford's Maciej Janowski to take third place.

Maciej Janowski (Image: Richard Crease)

The final result was so close that referee Matthew Wear had to refer to Oxford’s new streaming service before awarding the decision to the Polish racer.

Despite the day's racing fixtures in Leicester and Sheffield being cancelled, Oxford's track was ready for action following being tyre-packed in readiness for predicted afternoon rain, allowing both teams to perform in front of a packed stadium on opening night.

The Spires were quick off the blocks, leading 25-11 after six heats, including back-to-back 5-1s in the fifth and sixth heats.

Lewis Kerr emerged victorious from heat four after his team-mate Rohan Tungate was disqualified for touching the start tapes.

The duo of Janowski and Charles Wright dominated proceedings, claiming top spots in their first two attempts.

However, the Brummies mounted a comeback with three consecutive heat advantages, trimming the lead to six points.

Debutant Ashton Boughen demonstrated an impressive performance for the Spires, defeating Leon Flint in his initial two rides.

For the Brummies, their tactics paid off when heat 13 saw Steve Worrall and Nicholls notch a 5-1 win, shrinking Oxford's lead to 40-38.

However, captain Harris revitalised the Spires with a brilliant display in heat 14, partnering with Kerr for a 4-2, and extending their lead to four points ahead of the decisive heat 15.

Following their win, Spires' skipper, and top scorer Chris Harris said: "You can’t start the season in a better way that winning your first meeting.

"It’s great to get a win under our belts – it was a good team effort.

"A last-heat decider is great for the fans and I hope they enjoyed the meeting.

"Their support tonight was fantastic and hopefully they’ll come back next week and we can give them another victory."

Next Thursday, the stage is set as the Spires play host to reigning Premiership champions Sheffield, with a large turnout expected.