SOUTHWICK STEPS IN

POOLE will hand a debut at Championship level to 16-year-old local youngster Charlie Southwick in their MAXiCab KO Cup quarter-final second leg at home to Oxford on Wednesday.

Southwick has impressed at NDL level for Middlesbrough this season and will step in for the Pirates as Cooper Rushen is sidelined with a hand injury.

Poole co-promoter Dan Ford said: “Whilst we are sorry not to have Cooper in the team, I am pleased that we are able to give young Charlie an outing.

“This is exactly what the sport is about – a young rider working his way through, showing commitment and determination, and earning an opportunity.

“It is not an easy road, but Charlie has stuck at it and deserves his chance. I’m sure all our fans will appreciate his efforts and make him feel very welcome on his local track.”