GUEST rider Dan Gilkes starred as Oxford Cheetahs reached the halfway stage of their Knockout Cup opener against Redcar Bears with a four-point lead.

The youngster came in for the injured Josh MacDonald at Sandy Lane and top-scored for the hosts, winning three heats on his way to an impressive 12+1 haul.

It helped Cheetahs take the opening leg 47-43, giving them a slim advantage ahead of tomorrow night’s return fixture at the Ecco Arena.

Gilkes took time to get going before winning his third, fourth and fifth rides in front of more than 1,900 fans.

He said: “I was learning each race and felt very comfortable with the track.

“I could hear the fans through my helmet, which I’ve never experienced before.

“It was an amazing reception and an amazing venue.

“It’s a great track and to have Oxford back racing is fantastic for the sport.”

Cheetahs captain Scott Nicholls weighed in with 11 points, while Troy Batchelor, Cameron Heeps and Dillon Ruml also posted heat wins.

SCORERS

OXFORD 47: Dan Gilkes 12+1, Scott Nicholls 11, Troy Batchelor 6+1, Dillon Ruml 5+1, Kyle Newman 5+1, Jack Thomas 5, Cameron Heeps 3.

REDCAR 43: Erik Riss 11+1, Charles Wright 11, Adam Roynon 8, Lewis Kerr 6+1, Jason Edwards 4+1, Jordan Jenkins 3, Kasper Andersen r/r.