Oxford Cheetahs 42, Kings Lynn Knights 48

OXFORD Cheetahs' dismal run continued when they lost out to championship-chasing King's Lynn in this Elite League encounter at the Stadium last night.

Admittedly, the contest went down to the final heat once again at Cowley, but with the quality of riders in opposition, there was little doubt that the Knights would continue their charge on the title.

The victory took them to within just one point of leaders Eastbourne with everything to play for.

Cheetahs were undone by two Oxford old boys in the superb Jason Crump and Craig Boyce, while Leigh Adams showed just why he is the country's top rider.

Crump was unbeaten by an Oxford rider for a paid 15-point maximum, while Adams cleaned up in his last two races to notch 13.

Todd Wiltshire proved tops once again for Cheetahs, despite being conned by Crump into touching the tapes in the vital heat 13 which gave the Knights a massive boost.

Wiltshire was forced to start off the 15-metre mark and Jimmy Nilsen proved no match for the combined talents of Adams and Crump.

Neither Nilsen nor Brian Andersen, nursing shoulder problems, appreciated the heavy track and were never in racing mode.

The track, which had soaked up plenty of rain during the day, made for some good racing none better than when Adams after being passed by Steve Johnston in heat nine, stormed back on the final bend to get up on the line.

Cheetahs led 31-29 after ten heats, and the crowd were brought to life soon after when the Dryml brothers got hot under the collar.

Ales was excluded after a pits-bend clash with Travis McGowan. Lukas was soon onto the track when Ales went looking for McGowan.

But both were prevented fronm doing anything silly by riders and officials.

Wiltshire bounced back after his heat 13 debacle, by coming in as atactical substitute in the penultmate heat.

But despite he and Johnston poaching a 5-1 to take it down to the wire once again, there was no repeat of the last time the Knights were here when Cheetahs won the last 5-1 for victory.

This time Wiltshire trapped, but in a flash Adams and then Crump flew by.

Oxford: Wiltshire 11, Johnston 7+1, Nilsen 7+1, Andersen 6+1, L Dryml 5, Lemon 4+3, A Dryml 2+1. 42 pts.

King's Lynn: Crump 13+2, Adams 13, Boyce 8, Masters 5+1, McGowan 5, Madsen 3, Cook 1. 48 pts.

HEAT DETAILS

Heat 1: Crump, Wiltshire, Lemon, McGowan. 57.9 secs.

Heat 2: Madsen, Masters, L Dryml, A Dryml (e/f). 61.3.

Heat 3: Andersen, Boyce, Johnston, Cook. 60.0.

Heat 4: Adams, L Dryml, Nilsen, Masters. 58.7.

Heat 5: Crump, Johnston, McGowan, Andersen. 59.9.

Heat 6: Wiltshire, Lemon, Adams, Madsen. 60.1.

Heat 7: Nilsen, A Dryml, Cook, Boyce (e/f). 60.3.

Heat 8: (re-run) McGowan, L Dryml, Masters, Lemon (f/exc). 59.8.

Heat 9: Adams, Johnston, Andersen, Madsen 59.6.

Heat 10: Boyce, Wiltshire, Lemon, Cook. 60.4.

Heat 11: (re-run) Crump, Nilsen, McGowan, A Dryml (f/exc). 59.4.

Heat 12: Boyce, Andersen, Masters, L Dryml. 60.3.

Heat 13: (re-run) Adams, Crump, Nilsen, Wiltshire (15 mtrs) 58.8.

Heat 14: Wiltshire, Johnston, Masters, Madsen 60.2.

Heat 15: Adams, Crump, Wiltshire, Johnston 59.6.