GRESHAM Oxford Cheetahs hope to have skipper Craig Boyce back for their important Craven Shield speedway clash against Ipswich at Oxford Stadium tonight (7.30pm).

The Australian was laid low ten days ago with chicken pox which he appeared to pick up from the Simon Wigg meeting last month.

He missed the away meeting at King's Lynn, but didn't lose out when the Eastbourne match was postponed last Friday.

A fully-fit Boyce will be vital if Cheetahs are to peg back the Shield table leaders, for in Chris Louis and Tomaz Gollob they have two world-class riders who can turn a meeting at any stage. Joint team manager Colin Meredith said: "It will be tough, make no mistake. Louis and Gollob are two of the best, but are overall team strength will hopefully see us through. Getting the bonus point may be difficult, but I will settle for a victory on the night."

Ipswich, who lost surprisingly to Hull last week, will be without the injured Savalas Clouting and the Witches have yet to name a replacement.

Biggest worry for the home fans has been the wet weather this week and on Tuesday the track was well under water. Showers are forecast for tonight.

Oxford: Wiltshire, Staechmann, Johnston, Hurry, Boyce, Hare, Rossiter.

Ipswich: Louis, Woodifield, Svab, Howe, Gollob, Bunyan, Watson.

Story date: Friday 23 April

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