Oxford held on for a dramatic 46-44 win over Leicester in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership after the Lions had threatened a comeback victory.
Rohan Tungate and Maciej Janowski both overtook Sam Masters in Heat 15 for the 3-3 the Spires needed with visiting captain Max Fricke out in front.
The Lions had recovered from 34-26 down to pile on the pressure, with the home side making several passing moves to protect their advantage.
Tungate top-scored with 13 and Janowski added 9+2 as the Spires returned to the top four in the league table, whilst Fricke racked up 14 from six rides for the Lions, who did take the aggregate point – but they drop out of the play-off places.
Workington Comets skipper Craig Cook was at reserve for Leicester and he scored six and two bonus points which included a win, three thirds and a last.
Fellow West Cumbrian Richard Lawson was at number two for the Lions and he scored six, which included a win in his fourth and final ride.
Former Comet Charles Wright rode at two for the Spires and he collected eight points and two bonus with a win, two seconds and a third.
