My last programme notes night have been a bit fatalistic, coming before the must-win fixture against the Kent Royals, knowing we still relied on Armadale stopping the Belle Vue for the Chargers to advance to the playoffs. It turns out I needn’t have worried. The easy bit was beating the Royals. We needed to beat them by seven to ensure they took no points from the meeting, but as we know the Chargers were determined to go down swinging and beat the unlucky Royals by 31. All eyes then pointed north, hoping the bottom of the league Devils could hold off a Colts side which, on paper, looked to be sure of at least gaining the one point they would have needed to end our season. What a time, then, for the Devils to record their best result of the season and beat the Colts by 15. The Colts were out, the Chargers were in, and that’s why we’re all here again tonight. It’s worth noting the closeness of the NDL this year, with the top seven teams separated by only eight league points. I’ve said it all year, the NDL continues to serve up fantastic racing, and if tonight’s your first Chargers meeting you really have missed out.
As always, tonight we’re selling tickets to our NDL 50/50 draw. For the last two weeks the prize has been over £150, which is surely worth trying to be a part of. If you fancy your chances, come and see us at the entrances and buy some raffle tickets. It’s three strips – which is 15 chances to win – for only £2. Even if you don’t win the cash prize, there’s still a money can’t buy prize as a consolation – the chance to watch heats 14 and 15 from the centregreen. Someone’s got to win the prizes, why shouldn’t it be you?
Of course, tonight’s two teams have met before this season, with the Lion Cubs winning on aggregate 96-84. That sounds like a lot, but seven more points for the Chargers over 30 heats would have seen them win, and 15 of the Lion Cub’s points came from Ben Morley, who guested for them here at Oxford. Despite the Cubs finishing top of the league, there really is little between the two teams, and we should be in for a cracking pair of meetings. Here’s hoping that the newly-crowned NDL Rider’s Champion (well done, Jordan!) and the rest of the guys can pile up the points tonight and take a lead to the Paul Chapman and Sons Arena for the return fixture and advance to the NDL final. But whether we make it or not, I have a feeling tonight won’t be the last time we see speedway at Sandy Lane in 2022…
So, until next time
Go Chargers