PIRATES IN CONTROL

HOLDERS Poole took a massive step towards the BSN Series semi-finals with a thumping 58-32 win over Plymouth at Wimborne Road.

It means the Pirates only need to score 33 points in the return fixture to win the group, although they will have to wait a week to do so as the clash at the Coliseum on Saturday has been postponed due to the weather, and re-arranged for June 1.

Richard Lawson raced to a 15-point maximum with Tom Brennan adding 12, and reserve Sam Hagon kept up his great form with 11+2.

Dan Thompson scored 10 from six rides for the Gladiators but the comeback of Nico Covatti proved unsuccessful as he was withdrawn after two rides.

Poole boss Neil Middleditch said: “That was a clinical performance for sure.

“I told the boys ahead of the meeting to be wary of Plymouth as they have produced some good results of their own this season and their tails would be up, but we put in a great show and have a very healthy lead in the quest for the aggregate point that we need to go through from our group. 

“To be honest, I asked the lads for a 10 to 15-point lead, so with a 26-point advantage they more than delivered and gives us a bit of a cushion when we go there.”

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Photo credit: TONY HARTMAN