Oxford Cheetahs' search for their first league title in more than two decades is set to continue after Poole Pirates overturned a 12-point first-leg deficit to claim the Championship title on Wednesday night (October 9).

Cheetahs entered the second leg vying for their first league title since 2001, and were well placed to do so having won the first leg 51-39 at home.

But Pirates secured a 56-34 victory at Wimborne Road to overturn the deficit and win the grand final 95-85 on aggregate, reclaiming the title they had previously won in 2021 and 2022.

The night started promisingly for Cheetahs, as Richard Lawson's exclusion in Heat 1 saw their lead increase to 14 points.

However, the turning point came in Heat 2, when Luke Killeen was excluded from the re-run after being involved in an incident with Vinnie Foord.

While Killeen was still down on the track receiving medical attention, Foord was blowing kisses to the large contingent of Oxford fans on the first and second bend.

Killeen, who had been a key rider for the Cheetahs, took a ride in Heat 6 but was clearly not fit.

He took another fall and was subsequently withdrawn from the meeting.

Pirates capitalised to take the lead on the night, with Cheetahs struggling to fight back.

Cheetahs were further hampered by incidents involving Ashton Boughen and Jody Scott, Oxford's remaining reserve, who also found themselves on the deck and needing medical attention.

Despite this, Cheetahs managed to stay ahead with a shared Heat 11, but the absence of Killeen was felt in Heat 12 as Pirates edged ahead on aggregate.

The match was effectively decided in Heat 14 when Zach Cook overtook Cameron Heeps to clinch the Championship title for Pirates.

Oxford team manager Peter Schroeck said: "I think the loss of Luke Killeen is ultimately what killed us off tonight.

"We lost our trump card reserve. There were some weak refereeing decisions tonight and Luke should not have been excluded.

"He went out again, but he wasn’t right, came off again and he was withdrawn from the meeting.

"Jody was lucky not to be hurt in Heat 8 when he was taken into the fence at speed.

"That could have been a very nasty one when he was too was taken out by Vinnie Foord.

"The Poole boys were ruthless – particularly in the opening races. But all the boys battled on and I’m proud of their efforts."

Despite the disappointment, Mr Schroeck congratulated Poole on their victory and said Cheetahs would look to bounce back in the Knockout Cup Final.