PIRATES THROUGH AFTER LATE SCARE

POOLE were taken to a last-heat decider by Plymouth before confirming their place in the MAXiCab KO Cup semi-finals.

The holders trailed by eight points heading into the second leg at Wimborne Road, and when Zach Cook and Richard Lawson combined for maximum points in Heat 13 the tie looked over.

But the Gladiators hit back in the penultimate race through Ben Trigger and Joe Thompson to take it right down to the wire.

However, with the visitors requiring another 5-1 to level the aggregate scores and set up a Super Heat, it was Rowe and Lawson who collected a 4-2 for the Pirates to confirm a 52-38 win on the night, and by six on aggregate.

Rowe scored 13+1 to top the Poole scoring whilst Lawson picked up 11+1 and recent reserve signing Darryl Ritchings contributed a crucial 7+1 including a race win. Nicolai Klindt collected ten for the Gladiators.

Said Rowe: “It was good, but it’s not about me, it’s about the whole team and a big shout out to Darryl Ritchings.

“He was really, really good tonight and it will have grown his confidence.”

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Photo credit: TONY HARTMAN