World champion Tony Rickardsson's popularity took a nose dive last night after he was branded a disgrace by Oxford Cheetahs promoter Aaron Lanney, writes John Gaisford.

Rickardsson, the hero earlier in the day, refused to ride in heat 15 of the meeting at Reading last night and was in fact on his way out of the track before the last heat was completed.

After Cheetahs' 67-28 thashing by the Elite league leaders, Lanney said: "I apologise for the inept performance tonight.

"I have experienced the highs and lows of this game all in one day.

"But the thing that has upset me most was the attitude of Rickardsson who came into the pits slagging off his team mates."

Lanney then alleged that the world champion made little effort in heat 13.

Then when he started pulling wheelies with Greg Hancock and Charlie Gjedde, it was plain to see he didn't intend to to ride again.

Lanney added: "I am glad to see the back of him. I will never go down that route again with someone like him."

Meanwhile, after the lunchtime euphoria, Cheetahs' dream victory turned into a nightmare at the Smallmead Stadium.

In nice sunny conditions with a dry flat track, the Bulldogs showed their teeth in no uncertain style.

The Oxford lads, who gave their all earlier in the day, failed to shine against Reading, who were hell bent on revenge.

It was painful to watch for the Oxford fans, who had been so ecstatic earlier in the day.

Rickardsson was the only Oxford rider to win a heat.

And if wasn't for the victory in the afternoon Aaron Lanney would probably have been looking for the nearest river!

Nobody expected Cheetahs to win in the morning, so they can take some comfort from that.

Jamie Courtney, a member of last year's Conference side came in for the injured Adam PIetraszko, but failed to bother the judge, while Lubos Tomicek, plagued by engine problems at Cowley suffered again last night.

The Bulldogs won 13 of the 15 heats to post the highest score in the league so far this season.

And while the first leg was memorable for the Oxford fans, they will want to forget this one.

Reading: Zagar 15, Gjedde 12+2, Hancock 10+1, Kolodziej 8+3, McGowan 8+3, Simota 8+1, Smith 6+2. 67 pts.

Oxford: Rickardsson 11, Howe 7, Skornicki 3, Watt 3, Andersson 2+1, Tomicek 2, Courtney 0. 28pts.