OXFORD Cheetahs have completed their speedway team building by including unsung youngster Jon Underwood.

Underwood was the star of last year's Youth Development League where he held top spot for the Cheetahs Cubs on an assessed average of 3.00 points.

However, the Elite League is a world apart from the comforts of the Youth League and it will surely prove a tough baptism for the youngster. Despite the huge difference in class, Oxford promoter Steve Purchase remains upbeat about his chances. "Jon is an exciting up-and-coming British rider and deserves his chance at this level. I have every confidence in him."

The Cheetahs completed team is just half a point below the 45-points limit

and promises a mixture of youth and experience. Whether the team will make

the rest sit up and notice is a different matter. On paper they have an awful lot to do. Much will depend on how soon the Dryml brothers adapt to the rigours of top flight speedway, if they come off, we could be in for an

exciting season.

Oxford Cheetahs: Jimmy Nilsen (8.32), Todd Wiltshire (8.25), Ales Dryml (7.50), Steve Johnston (6.90), Roman Povazhny (5.48), Lukas Dryml (5.00), Jon Underwood (3.00).

Story date: Friday 25 February

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