PAUL STARKE admits his side have “got their work cut out” against Oxford in the KO Cup.
It’s been a tough few years in the competition after the Allied Vehicles Tigers won the trophy back in 2016.
However ‘Iron Man’ Starke is convinced that the defending league champions can outgun the Cheetahs.
Starke said: “Oxford will be very tough. They are very solid right the way through the team.
“We will have our work cut out but I think the boys have shown what they are capable of.
“But there are good signs. James (Pearson) has been fantastic, the top two look really strong and it’s up to me to push on now.”
‘Iron Man’ was quick to confess that it’s taking time to shake off the rust. He said: “I feel like I’m getting there and getting back to where I should be.
“It’s been a really slow start to the season for us. I still feel rusty and it was just nice to get some points on the board.
“There’s improvements to be made now. The track has undergone a few changes and we are getting used to those changes now. We can only get stronger from here.
“I feel at home again and I’m enjoying it again, that’s the main thing. I want to win and I think this year will be a good one for me.”
Team boss Cami Brown is naturally eager for his side to end the difficult run of KO Cup form.
He added: “Oxford are a very strong side and we had a few humdinger meetings with them last year – and they are mainly unchanged from 2023.
“It’s going to be a big meeting because our boys still need laps and to be sharper. But we will be ready to go.”