OXFORD Cheetahs must find two new riders for the next leg of their tournament on the Isle of Wight after Nathan Stoneman and James Laker were ruled out through injury.

The pair crashed out of the first challenge match last Thursday, as Gordon Kennett’s side finished last of the three teams.

Skipper Stoneman broke two ribs, has a hairline crack in his collarbone and broke the pins inside his ankle from a previous injury after his incident in heat 13.

He was able to travel back to the mainland that night, but checked into hospital in Bournemouth.

The Greater Leys resident could be back for the final meeting on August 24, but will miss the middle fixture a week tomorrow.

He said: “It’s gutting, but it is what it is.

“I showed I was fully on it, despite it being my first speedway meeting since 2019.

“I’m always completely committed, and I was giving it my all for Oxford. I am always so proud to ride for the club and my thanks go out again to all my sponsors and everyone who supports me.”

Laker had earlier crashed in heat nine and it has since been revealed he suffered a broken ankle.

The Cheetahs rider faces up to eight weeks out and will miss the remaining two races.

Kennett’s side were severely hampered by the crashes in Thursday’s meeting and they were edged into third place by Cradley Heath, with the Isle of Wight winning round one of the Cliff Peasley Trophy.