Poole Pirates reserve Sam Hagon labelled ‘sensational’

Poole’s reserve played a key role against Berwick Bandits on Saturday night, scoring paid 12 from six rides, having taken on extra responsibility following an injury to Zach Cook.

Hagon’s scores have been inconsistent in his four meetings so far since joining Pirates (10+1, 2+1, 2, 11+1), but his display at Shielfield Park topped the lot.

The 19-year-old has also caught the eye sufficiently enough to earn himself a Premiership spot, drafted in to replace Joe Thompson at Leicester Lions.

Hagon recorded two races wins at Berwick and notably twice finished ahead of big-hitting Bandits guest number one Josh Pickering.

Discussing the display from his reserve, promoter Ford said: “Losing Zach after his first ride is really going to hurt us and that puts pressure on Sam and the reserves.

“But Sam was sensational. When he’s out in front, he’s so fast.

“He beat Pickering a couple of times, probably one of the top five riders in the league. So to have a reserve doing that is not too bad.

“He’s got a bright future obviously.”

• Lawson feels Pirates ‘sent out a good marker’ with dramatic win at Berwick

Reflecting on the 46-44 win in the Championship opener, which came a night after Poole got past Edinburgh Monarchs in the Knockout Cup, Ford added: “I think Berwick are an incredibly strong team.

“Maybe overlooked, but for me, they’re the dark horses in the league.

“It’s a real tough place to come and to get a win, it was close, it was hard fought, but it’s great.

“It’s a long old trip up here, but certainly a lot nicer with the taste of victory.

“Two very good results. Two very hard-fought results. Neither were plain sailing.

“Two very good teams and two overlooked teams I think in Edinburgh and Berwick.

“I personally fancy both of them to push for the play-offs.

“So to come here and get a win and to run Edinburgh so close at their place, good signs.”

Hagon last week led the qualifiers for the British Under-21 final, scoring a 15-point maximum at Plymouth, sealing his spot in Glasgow next month.

Discussing his performance at Berwick, Hagon said: “I started good with two wins.

“Beating Picko twice was a good start for me and the team.

“It was good win for the team and to come back from 10 down to win by two, it was good to do what we did. It was a good performance all-round.”

Pirates return to action tomorrow, travelling to Oxford Cheetahs looking to take control of the southern BSN Series group, having won the reverse fixture 61-29.

Pirates, and Oxford, are set to be at full strength tomorrow, Zach Cook intending to ride after sitting out his Premiership meeting for Birmingham Brummies on Monday.

Pirates: Lawson, Thomsen, Brennan, Z Cook, B Cook (c), Hagon, Perry.

Oxford: Masters, Atkins, Heeps, Jenkins, Nicholls (c), Boughen, Killeen.

(Pictures: Taylor Lanning)