OXFORD Chargers began a new era with a 50-40 defeat at Berwick Bullets.

Their National Development League opener was the city’s first competitive speedway meeting for 15 years, with the newly-formed club travelling to Northumberland.

Bullets' gap between fixtures was much shorter, having beaten Armadale Devils 52-38 just 24 hours earlier to kick-off their campaign.

Chargers heat-leaders Jordan Jenkins (11) and Nathan Stoneman (10) won five races combined, while Ben Hopwood (4) added another heat victory.

But the visitors fell short of the perfect start, with Bullets skipper Kyle Bickley taking 14 points from five rides to haul his side over the line.

Attention now turns to Oxford Cheetahs' first SGB Championship meeting on Wednesday. They face Scunthorpe Scorpions in front of a sell-out crowd at the revamped Oxford Stadium.

Chargers have the chance to gain revenge on Bullets in their home opener on May 4.

FINAL SCORES

BERWICK: Kyle Bickley 13, Greg Blair 8+1, Luke Crang 8, Ace Pijper 7+1, Mason Watson 6+1, Ben Rathbone 5+2, Kieran Douglas 3+1.

OXFORD: Jordan Jenkins 11, Nathan Stoneman 10, Sam Hagon 5+1, Arran Butcher 5, Ben Hopwood 4, Jacob Clouting 4, Sam Woods 1+1.