OXFORD Cheetahs refused to go down without a fight in their 48-42 Jubilee League defeat at Poole Pirates.

The visitors needed a big win over the southern section table-toppers to keep alive their chances of reaching the final.

Cheetahs got themselves into a great position and led 35-31 with four heats to go, but like at Sandy Lane the previous night Poole ended the meeting strongly.

Captain Scott Nicholls top-scored for the visitors with 10+1, while Aaron Summers (9), Paul Starke (8+1) and Dillon Ruml (8) collected decent hauls.

Cheetahs now must wait until August 17 for the season-ending visit of Edinburgh Monarchs in the SGB Championship.

Meanwhile, Oxford Chargers kept themselves on course for a place in the National Development League play-offs with a 65-25 thrashing of Armadale Devils at Sandy Lane.

The hosts cruised to victory against the division’s bottom side, climbing to third in the process.

Jordan Jenkins and Nathan Stoneman led the way with paid maximums.

RESULTS

JUBILEE LEAGUE

POOLE 48: Richard Lawson 16+1, Danny King 11+1, Zach Cook 9+3, Steve Worrall 6+1, Ben Cook 6+1, Drew Kemp 0, Nathan Ablitt 0.

OXFORD 42: Scott Nicholls 10+1, Aaron Summers 9, Paul Starke 8+1, Dillon Ruml 8, Troy Batchelor 4+1, Cameron Heeps 3, Jack Thomas r/r.

Jubilee League points: Poole 3, Oxford 1.

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE

OXFORD 65: Jordan Jenkins 13+2, Nathan Stoneman 13+2, Henry Atkins 11+1, Sam Hagon 11, Jody Scott 6+1, Arran Butcher 6+1, Jacob Clouting 5+2.

ARMADALE 25: Tom Woolley 8, Danny Phillips 6, Lee Complin 5, Kyren Lyden 2+2, Lewis Millar 2, Josh Embleton 1, Gregor Millar 1.

NDL points: Oxford 3, Armadale 0.