ADVANTAGE PIRATES IN CUP TIE

POOLE took charge of their KO Cup tie with Plymouth by winning 49-41 in the first leg at the Coliseum.

Pirates riders won eight of the first ten races, a sequence featuring a maiden first victory in the UK for Aussie newcomer Zane Keleher.

Steve Worrall led the way for the visitors with 12 points and Rory Schlein notched nine on his comeback from injury. Bjarne Pedersen (12+1) and guest Richard Lawson (10+1) led the way for the Gladiators and combined for two late 5-1s to reduce the deficit.

Keleher said: “I’m sure everyone there in attendance could see what a relief it was to me as I crossed the finish line! What a moment. First UK heat win!

“Such a relief, it’s hard to describe the feeling of the weight being lifted off my shoulders to finally get an all-important win.

“The first one is out of the way now, I’ve proven to myself, the team and everyone around that I can do it so now I’ll just look to keep the ball rolling and improve further and further with every race.”

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Photo credit: BLUMONKEY MEDIA

See below for a post-match interview with Plymouth boss, Matt Bates