OXFORD Cheetahs began their Championship play-off campaign with a victory on home shale.

The meeting with Glasgow Tigers was a close one, with just two points separating the sides after Heat 11.

However, the Cheetahs dug deep to extend their 34-32 lead to a 50-40 one by the end of the night thanks to three race advantages in the final four heats.

Those advantages included a sensational maximum in Heat 13, courtesy of top pair Sam Masters and Scott Nicholls, who ended the night with 12+1 and 10+1 respectively.

Cameron Heeps, Lewis Kerr, Jordan Jenkins and Ashton Boughen also picked up race wins on the night while Henry Atkins contributed a crucial 3+1 from his four rides.

READ ALSO: Former U’s coach excited to take on Neymar, Neves and Mitrovic

Team manager Peter Schroeck said after the meeting: “We had to dig deep against a good team tonight and we’re pleased with the end result.

“After Heat 11, we banged our heads together and regrouped after a couple of frustrating results and I couldn’t have asked for a better response.

“The supporters played a crucial role too – we could hear them in the pits all night and hand on heart it absolutely contributed to our final score.

“It will be a tough return fixture but we’ve built a lead we are more than capable of defending which is what matters.

“Before that we have to refocus our attention to two big meetings against Redcar where we hope to do the job required of us.”

Cheetahs were racing the first of four Group B play-off fixtures, where they have been placed against Tigers and Redcar Bears.

All teams will race each other once at home and once on the road to decide who advances to the league’s two-legged grand final against the winners of Group A, which consists of Poole Pirates, Scunthorpe Scorpions and Edinburgh Monarchs.

Championship winner Poole were held to a 45-45 draw last night in their first group play-off fixture, however they maintained their long unbeaten home record by winning the first ever Wimborne Road super heat 6-3, which gained them an extra point.

Cheetahs’ play-off campaign resumes on Wednesday night when Redcar visit Oxford Stadium. Tickets for that fixture will be on sale shortly.

Glasgow welcome Redcar the day before on Tuesday evening.

Oxford Cheetahs 50: Sam Masters 12+1, Cameron Heeps 6+1, Lewis Kerr 9, Jordan Jenkins 6, Scott Nicholls 10+1, Ashton Boughen 4+1, Henry Atkins 3+1.

Glasgow Tigers 40: Chris Harris 14, Claus Vissing R/R, Benjamin Basso 10, Tom Brennan 3, Vadim Tarasenko 9, Lee Complin 3, Jack Smith 1+1.