OXFORD Chargers were thwarted at the death as National Development League table-toppers Leicester Lions snatched a draw at Sandy Lane.

There was nothing to choose between the teams all evening as the lead changed hands multiple times.

Arran Butcher and Jody Scott secured a 4-2 in the penultimate race to edge Chargers in front 43-41, only for Leicester guest Ben Morley – who rode for the hosts earlier in the season – to win heat 15, thereby completing a 15-point maximum and levelling the scores at 45-45.

READ MORE: Oxford Cheetahs off to flying start in Jubilee League

Heavy afternoon rain hit the track at about 5pm but the meeting was only postponed by 15 minutes thanks to sterling work by track staff.

Jordan Jenkins top-scored for Chargers with ten points, while Henry Atkins collected 8+1 on his home debut.

The latter said: “It went really well. It was a challenge getting the right set-ups for the track, having not raced around here before, while the rain beforehand changed a few things.

“Leicester are a strong team, which is why they are top of the league table.

“We did drop a few points during the night and that cost us the win.

“Of course, we’d have liked to have won, but at least we got the draw – we’ve got to take that result and move forward from here.”

Chargers are fourth, leaving them in the final play-off spot, and go to fifth-placed Kent Royals in a crucial clash this Sunday.

Oxford Cheetahs also tasted disappointment at the death as they lost 46-44 at Birmingham Brummies.

The teams met for the second time in 24 hours in the Jubilee League Southern Group, with Cheetahs winning the first encounter 56-34 at Sandy Lane.

The return fixture was much closer and Birmingham only took the lead in the penultimate heat.

Cheetahs picked up a point due to the close margin of defeat, leaving them second in the table.

Troy Batchelor (12) top-scored for the visitors again after starring on Tuesday night, while captain Scott Nicholls managed 9+1.

Cheetahs go to Plymouth Gladiators in their next fixture on Tuesday.

SCORERS

BRUMMIES V CHEETAHS

BIRMINGHAM 46: Josh Pickering 14+1, Tom Brennan 11+1, Alfie Bowtell 8, Justin Sedgmen 6, Stefan Nielsen 4, Ashley Morris 3+1, James Pearson 0.

OXFORD 44: Troy Batchelor 12, Scott Nicholls 9+1, Cameron Heeps 7+1, Dillon Ruml 6+3, Aaron Summers 6+2, Jack Thomas 4, Paul Starke r/r.

Jubilee League points: Birmingham 3, Oxford 1.

CHARGERS V LION CUBS

OXFORD 45: Jordan Jenkins 10, Henry Atkins 8+1, Sam Hagon 7+1, Nathan Stoneman 6, Jody Scott 5+2, Arran Butcher 5+1, Jacob Clouting 4.

LEICESTER 45: Ben Morley 15, Max Perry 10, Joe Thompson 9+1, Connor Coles 8, Tom Spencer 2+1, Mickie Simpson 1, Vinnie Foord 0.

NDL points: Oxford 1, Leicester 2.