PREMIERSHIP KO CUP UPDATE

THE British Speedway Premiership regrets to announce that Poole will not be taking up the invitation to compete in this season’s Knockout Cup.

An opportunity arose at the AGM last November for the Pirates to join the competition with their line-up bolstered to Premiership level with the addition of rider(s) not currently racing in the UK.

A formal draw took place on that basis at the AGM, and Poole were paired with defending Cup holders Sheffield.

Unfortunately, the Pirates have informed the league that for various reasons they will not be able to take part.

Premiership CEO Phil Morris said: “It’s disappointing news of course, as the intention was to provide something different for supporters and at the same time have all the clubs competing at the quarter-final stage of the competition, especially with the good news that Oxford are taking their place this year.

“Sadly we aren’t able to make it happen although it’s a concept we may be able to revisit in the future, and therefore Sheffield will receive a bye to the semi-finals where they will meet the winners of the Birmingham/Leicester tie.”