Oxford Cheetahs come up against probable world champion Mark Loram in their Elite League clash against the Poole Pirates at Wimborne Road tonight (7.30pm), writes John Gaisford.

Loram, who so nearly signed for Oxford as a16-year-old in 1985, has the world

at his feet and the Cheetahs won't fancy the prospect of taking him on tonight.

Oxford's season has gone pear-shaped and there seems little hope of them improving their league position at the expense of the Pirates.

Cheetahs' three grand prix aces, Todd Wiltshire, Jimmy Nilsen and Brian Andersen, will want to forget their Vojens experiences in a hurry.

Oxford have already been on the end of two defeats this year on the south coast, going down 47-43 in the KO Cup and 52-38 in the Elite League and the omens certainly don't look good. Apart from Loram, the Pirates have the excellent Scott Nicholls, as well as England's last world champion in Gary Havelock and they will a tough nut to crack.