It's crunch time for Oxford Cheetahs so far as the Craven Shield goes when they visit the swashbuckling Poole Pirates at Wimborne Road tonight (7.30), writes John Gaisford.

Both teams sit proudly at the top of their group with four points each, eventhough Cheetahs came out on top against the Pirates at Sandy Lane last Friday.

One difference though, is that the south coast side have taken four points off Eastbourne, and are only two points away from a bonus point if they can overturn Friday's 46-44 scoreline.

Oxford still have to travel to Eastbourne after tonight's clash and, unless there is a superhuman effort along the lines of the 45-45 scoreline achieved by Cheetahs there recently, the odds point towards Poole making the final.

Oxford will be looking towards track specialists Todd Wiltshire and Steve Johnston, while a top-class performance from Grand Prix veteran Jimmy Nilsen wouldn't go amiss.

Oxford need to counter the twin spearhead of world champion Mark Loram and England international Scott Nicholls, who all but turned Oxford over on their own last Friday.

Add the promising Polish rider Greg Walasek, and Poole have a strong side. It will be all go for Cheetahs.