PIRATES – NO EXTRA PRESSURE

POOLE captain Zach Cook says he and Richard Lawson will embrace the challenge of the favourites’ tag ahead of Wednesday’s Championship Best Pairs at Wimborne Road.

Cook and Lawson are hotly tipped to end the Pirates’ wait for this particular item of silverware, and they will look to do so on their home track where their team have been dominant this season.

However, the Pairs offers threats right down the line-up with all nine Championship clubs declaring their big hitters for the showpiece meeting.

Cook said: “I don’t think this is adding any extra pressure to us both as we know that we are the favourites going into this meeting.

“It’s a good reason to have that on our back as we are obviously doing something right. I don’t feel it’s extra added pressure as we are coming here to win the title.  

“Obviously we are up against the likes of Sam Masters (Oxford) and Josh Pickering (Scunthorpe) so there is plenty of tough competition throughout the league.

“It’s going to be a meeting full of Heat 13’s and 15’s so it should be good for the fans to experience, so I’m looking forward to it but you can’t write anyone off.”

One change to the line-up has been confirmed with Plymouth No.1 Scott Nicholls not yet fit for a comeback, and he will be replaced by Ben Barker.

CHAMPIONSHIP BEST PAIRS LIVE STREAMING: https://livestream.poole-speedway.com/