PIRATES WIN AS CHEETAHS FUME

POOLE defeated Oxford 48-42 in a controversial finish to a thrilling Cab Direct Championship clash at Wimborne Road.

Pirates No.1 Richard Lawson completed a 15-point maximum in Heat 15 as the leaders maintained their unbeaten home record in the league, having been given a tough test by the Cheetahs.

The visitors were left fuming, however, with the events of the final race which was initially stopped due to a malfunction with the starting tapes only for the re-run to go against them.

Lawson was backed up by skipper Zach Cook with 10+1 and Lewis Kerr on 10, whilst reserve Francis Gusts scored 12 from six rides for Oxford and Sam Masters scored 10+1.

Lawson said: “Tonight was very tough. I think that has been the hardest match so far this season. We had to work hard for it.

“It was one of those meetings that I knew was going to go down to Heat 15 and it was just that. They ran us close, but we got the win.

“They outgated me in the initial run but in the second one Sam made a really good one and I just had to battle into that first turn and fortunately I got around.”

Cheetahs manager Peter Schroeck said: “The ending of that meeting was diabolical, to be honest.

“In the final race, there was no consistency. We were on a 5-1 in the first staging – and Sam and Francis knew what they needed to do.

“That was stopped because of the problem with the starting tapes. But then have the same problem in the re-run and yet let the race continue – I have no words. It robbed us of a draw and taking the meeting to a Super Heat.”

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Photo credit: TONY HARTMAN