Redcar Bears v Poole Pirates

HOLDERS Poole took control of the Championship KO Cup Final with a 48-41 win at Redcar in Friday’s first leg.

The Pirates led throughout the contest after a 5-1 in Heat 1 from Ben Cook and Danny King, and always maintained an advantage despite a number of falls later in the meeting, including for King in Heat 15.

Cook kept up his outstanding form with 13+1 from five rides, and brother Zach took extra rides at reserve to finish with 11+3.

Bears skipper Charles Wright scored 14, only missing out on a maximum to Ben Cook in the final race, and he produced the ride of the night to go from third to first in Heat 9, passing Richard Lawson on the line.

Poole co-promoter Danny Ford said: “That was an outstanding performance. We came here with the intention to win the meeting and the lads did well to deliver on that goal.

“We took a few knocks on the way and whilst we know the Cup hasn’t been won yet, we have put ourselves in a strong position for it to remain in our trophy cabinet for another season. It looks good there, I must say.”

CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP FINAL, 1st leg
REDCAR 41: Charles Wright 14, Erik Riss 9, Kyle Newman 7+2, Lewis Kerr 6+1, Kasper Andersen 2, Jordan Jenkins 2, Jason Edwards 1
POOLE 48: Ben Cook 13+1, Zach Cook 11+3, Danny King 9+2, Richard Lawson 7, Steve Worrall 5, Nathan Ablitt 2+1, Drew Kemp 1+1

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Photo credit: COLIN POOLE